In our last study, we talked about FAITH being like a LENS. There are lots of different kinds of lenses for different purposes. But, the fact is, a lens is an optical device—it doesn’t change the viewed object. It doesn’t change TRUTH— or what IS. A lens only changes the perspective and perception of the one looking through it. Depending on the type of lens, it might make an object appear larger or appear smaller than it actually is; it might bring it into clearer focus or frame it in a different light; or it may bring out details that…
My perspective is in my control. A lens is an optical device. We all use them, whether for cameras, telescopes, microscopes, or eyeglasses. You look through it. A lens doesn’t change the object you’re looking at—it doesn’t change WHAT IS. It only changes how YOU SEE it. Depending on the type of lens, it might make an object appear larger than it is or smaller, it might allow you to see it clearer or in a different light, or it may enhance details that are THERE, but that you cannot see with your God-given “naked” eye. Let’s give this a spiritual application. We are each given the opportunity, by our own will, to seek to develop a relationship—a kinship—with our Creator God—one on One. It has been said that every human is created with a “God-shaped vacuum”—a hole in their soul that only a relationship with God can truly fill. In our heart of hearts, we long to SEE Him, to draw near to Him, to KNOW Him. God desires that relationship, too—but there’s something we must do FIRST. In Hebrews, we learn what that something is. Chapter 11, verse 6 says that whoever seeks to approach God must FIRST…
In our last study, we discussed how that the keystone—placed LAST at the very top of an arch—is the ultimate key to its strength. If a prayer was an arch, the keystone was the AMEN. Our response to the manifest Plan of God should always be “not my will, but Thine be done.” We crown His perfect Will with our own keystone—our heart’s final, fervent, and sincere AMEN. It is our word of submission to God’s authority—to whatever He ordains in our lives to complete and perfect us, without rebellion. It may be that the most important element of any prayer is, indeed, that last word—the AMEN that says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work [in me] WILL complete it …” (Philippians 1:6 NASB) Job’s response to the compound tragedies in his life was, “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21 KJV). In a word: AMEN. Jesus Himself, when at last He completed the Salvation Plan that was ordained before the foundation of the earth—after He suffered ALL that a human body could suffer, He added His own keystone declaration,…
Where were you on October 28, 1965? It was a monumental day. Literally. On that day, the final 10-ton piece—the keystone—was lowered into place at the very top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. That last piece marked the completion of the 630-foot-tall monument, standing near the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, as the iconic symbol of “The Gateway to the West.” A fun insider fact that some people don’t know is that, before placing the keystone at the top of the Arch, a time capsule, containing over 700,000 signatures, was welded inside it. Nearly three-quarters of a…
In the meantime … Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem. In the midst of His journey—as He came through a village on the way, He heard a group of lepers crying out to Him from a distance. Why not?! What did they have to lose? Perhaps they saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snag some mercy for their plight—on the fly. Luke doesn’t tell us that Jesus stopped, touched them, or even broke His stride. It simply says that when He saw the lepers, He said, “Go. Show yourselves to the priest.” In other words, “Go get your life back.” And they went. Their banishment was over. It was that simple. Quick obedience brought a miracle that day. We also see here an example of what it means to “SHEMA”—the Hebrew word meaning “to hear attentively, heed carefully, and obey diligently.” Without hesitation. “SHEMA, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.” (Proverbs 23:19 KJV + Hebrew added) Jesus gave them an order—they heard, heeded, and obeyed. Period. And AS they did so, they were all cleansed of their leprosy. In the midst of their SHEMA, mercy caught up with them, and their request was granted.…
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45 I just finished reading the book of Joshua in my daily Bible reading. No matter how many times we read these stories over and over, it is still amazing how the Lord led the children of Israel out of Egypt and brought them into the land He had promised. Many times they murmured and complained and rose up against their leaders. How much easier their journey would have been if they had only trusted God and believed His promises to lead them safely. When they have reached their destination, God has given them great victories over the nations. God had kept every one of the promises He had made to them. As we read on in their story, we see that they turned their back on the One who had been so faithful to them, and they let God’s gifts slip from their hands. What can we learn from this? Let’s look at some promises that are ours to claim: II Peter 1:3-4 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto…