GOD's endearing ways

 

Romans 11:33-34

King James Version

33 O the depth of the riches 

both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 

how unsearchable are his judgments, 

and his ways past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? 

or who hath been his counsellor?

If you want to understand GOD, witness His ways.

We cannot map out GOD, but we can understand His ways.

Scripture will tell us all we need to know.

Here are a few things that help us understand GOD better.

And surely, it's in total contrast to man's ways.

THREE examples come to mind:

GOD chose Israel, no matter how few they were.

Deuteronomy 7:7

King James Version

7 The Lord did not set his love upon you, 

nor choose you, 

because ye were more in number than any people; 

for ye were the fewest of all people:

GOD chose Bethlehem, no matter how little it was.

Micah 5:2

King James Version

2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, 

though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, 

yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me 

that is to be ruler in Israel; 

whose goings forth have been from of old, 

from everlasting.

GOD brought JESUS into the world, in all His Son's humility.

Isaiah 53:2

King James Version

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, 

and as a root out of a dry ground: 

he hath no form nor comeliness; 

and when we shall see him, 

there is no beauty 

that we should desire him.

Do you see a pattern yet?

Have you detected an aspect of GOD's ways?

As childlike, born again workman, I have.

To make a statement, GOD goes for small.

The GREATEST, becomes the least.

That we may know His power.

1 Kings 8:60

King James Version

60 That all the people of the earth may know 

that the Lord is God, 

and that there is none else.

GOD abhors pride; He goes for humility.

By His obedience to the cross, JESUS taught us humility.

He gave us a pattern for how to live, and worship GOD.

Is it any wonder Scripture tells us:

Proverbs 16:5

King James Version

5 Every one that is proud in heart 

is an abomination to the Lord: 

though hand join in hand, 

he shall not be unpunished.

Man likes to think BIG.

Or so he thinks.

GOD thinks BIGGER.

And yet He creates small.

Why is that?

It tests man.

Would he pay attention to the "small"?

Would he pay attention to the humble?

Would he pay attention to the downtrodden?

Would he pay attention to JESUS at all?

Now, you see the BEAUTY of GOD's heart.

Man's heart cannot compare.

GOD is LOVE.

GOD is TRUTH.

GOD is WISDOM.

He makes us love.

He makes us see.

He makes us pay attention.

He makes us see with our hearts.

After all, if you're so full of yourself, would you pay attention to those you think are lesser than you are?

Would you even notice them?

GOD doesn't have such arrogance.

In GOD's wisdom, least is better.

Matthew 20:16

King James Version

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: 

for many be called, but few chosen.

Even as GOD is the GREATEST, He wants you to find Him in the least.

He is full of surprises, and unpredictability.

GOD confounds us all.

But believers have an edge.

We understand His ways.

Because He gave us the BEST Teacher.

JESUS taught us GOD's ways:

Matthew 18:1-7

King James Version

18 At the same time 

came the disciples unto Jesus, 

saying, 

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, 

and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself 

as this little child, 

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive 

one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend 

one of these little ones which believe in me, 

it were better for him that a millstone 

were hanged about his neck, 

and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! 

for it must needs be that offences come; 

but woe to that man 

by whom the offence cometh!

Matthew 25:40

King James Version

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Inasmuch as ye have done it 

unto one of the least of these my brethren, 

ye have done it unto me.

Thus, Israel, Bethlehem, JESUS, and children.

The least are the greatest, in GOD's eyes.

How I LOVE the LORD's ways!

Don't you?

Related material:

GOD's WAYS

GOD's WISDOM

GOD's TRUTH

GOD's HUMOR

Paradoxes

Image: Clipart Library

SPOT the DIFFERENCE

 

John 14:16-17

King James Version

16 And I will pray the Father, 

and he shall give you another Comforter, 

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; 

whom the world cannot receive, 

because it seeth him not, 

neither knoweth him: 

but ye know him; 

for he dwelleth with you, 

and shall be in you.

Time for you to do your own thinking.

A sort of spiritual sleuthing.

We shall present our case.

You decide.

Who was JESUS?

Who was Lucifer?

What was the difference?

We shall present TWO sets of verses.

Let Scripture speak for itself.

You cannot possibly fail to see the difference:

JESUS said:

John 17:3-4

King James Version

3 And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work 

which thou gavest me to do.

Lucifer said:

Isaiah 14:13-14

King James Version

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, 

I will ascend into heaven, 

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: 

I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, 

in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; 

I will be like the most High.

One glorifies GOD.

The other glorifies himself.

Truly a marked difference.

Related material:

JESUS and Satan

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Who JESUS was

 

The LORD JESUS declared:

John 8:24

King James Version

24 I said therefore unto you, 

that ye shall die in your sins: 

for if ye believe not that I am he, 

ye shall die in your sins.

Who was JESUS?

What did He mean, "I am he"?

What does the Bible say?

It is best we listen to what the LORD said of Himself, from that same chapter.

For, herein, are many revealing statements:

John 8:12

King James Version

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, 

saying, 

I am the light of the world: 

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, 

but shall have the light of life.

John 8:14

King James Version

14 Jesus answered and said unto them, 

Though I bear record of myself, 

yet my record is true: 

for I know whence I came, and whither I go; 

but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

John 8:15-16

King James Version

15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: 

for I am not alone, 

but I and the Father that sent me.

John 8:18

King James Version

18 I am one that bear witness of myself, 

and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

John 8:19-20

King James Version

19 Then said they unto him, 

Where is thy Father? 

Jesus answered, 

Ye neither know me, 

nor my Father: 

if ye had known me, 

ye should have known my Father also.

20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, 

as he taught in the temple: 

and no man laid hands on him; 

for his hour was not yet come.

John 8:21

King James Version

21 Then said Jesus again unto them, 

I go my way, 

and ye shall seek me, 

and shall die in your sins: 

whither I go, ye cannot come.

John 8:22-23

King James Version

22 Then said the Jews, 

Will he kill himself? 

because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.

23 And he said unto them, 

Ye are from beneath; I am from above: 

ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

John 8:25-27

King James Version

25 Then said they unto him, 

Who art thou? 

And Jesus saith unto them, 

Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: 

but he that sent me is true; 

and I speak to the world those things 

which I have heard of him.

27 They understood not 

that he spake to them of the Father.

John 8:28

King James Version

28 Then said Jesus unto them, 

When ye have lifted up* the Son of man, 

then shall ye know that I am he, 

and that I do nothing of myself; 

but as my Father hath taught me, 

I speak these things.

John 8:29-30

King James Version

29 And he that sent me is with me: 

the Father hath not left me alone; 

for I do always those things that please him.

30 As he spake these words, 

many believed on him.

John the Baptist prepared the way for the LORD's coming.

Look how he announced the very things JESUS declared, too:

John 3:31-36

King James Version

31 He that cometh from above is above all: 

he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: 

he that cometh from heaven is above all.

32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; 

and no man receiveth his testimony.

33 He that hath received his testimony 

hath set to his seal that God is true.

34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: 

for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

35 The Father loveth the Son, 

and hath given all things into his hand.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: 

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; 

but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Related posts:

The Simplicity of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST

What Makes JESUS the True MEDIATOR of GOD?

JESUS Son of GOD

JESUS

Image: Clipart Library

NOT Mary Magdalene

 

Luke 8:1-2

King James Version

8 And it came to pass afterward, 

that he went throughout every city and village, 

preaching and shewing the glad tidings 

of the kingdom of God: 

and the twelve* were with him,

2 And certain women, 

which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, 

Mary called Magdalene, 

out of whom went seven devils,

There was a time I had been reading New Age books.

I was deep in search of ultimate truth formally since 1995.

Informally, since I was a kid.

Somehow, I couldn't accept the world's truth.

If I had, I wouldn't have scoured all the books from bookshops, and libraries.

And bought all the books I needed to study.

(Even as the Bible waited patiently for me.)

There was this hunger to know truth.

And every time I'd read such books, there was always a part missing.

Of course, that "part" was JESUS.

I only knew that when GOD made me born again 42 months ago.

Surely, He took pity on this persistent child, despite her many failings.

In the course of those esoteric readings, I came across several authors' claim about Mary Magdalene.

Now, she was the woman possessed by seven devils.

JESUS healed this woman, and she became a devoted follower of the LORD.

Modern-day fiction (purporting to be based on facts) spoke of how Mary was the wife of JESUS.

And that they had a child, who lived in France.

That the LORD's bloodline continued there.

I won't even mention the best-selling book that spoke of that.

For I had read that book, and seen the movie.

These are abominations unto GOD.

Writing the article "The APOSTLE whom JESUS loved" yesterday, I have Scripture proof of GOD's truth.

Thus, I needed to write this supporting article.

Thanks to the HOLY SPIRIT who guides me each moment.

The book and movie depicted Mary as the one whom JESUS loved.

She was also depicted as the one who laid her head on his breast.

Not so, as Scripture says:

John 13:23-26

King James Version

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, 

whom Jesus loved.

24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, 

that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, 

Lord, who is it?

26 Jesus answered, 

He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, 

when I have dipped it. 

And when he had dipped the sop, 

he gave it to Judas Iscariot, 

the son of Simon.

Note the pronouns used:

John 13:24

King James Version

24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, 

that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

John 13:25

King James Version

25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, 

Lord, who is it?

That was apostle John, whom JESUS loved.

The very same apostle who wouldn't even directly speak of himself in his gospel's testimony of JESUS.

And it definitely was not a woman, as these other verses reveal:

John 19:25-27

King James Version

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, 

and his mother's sister, 

Mary the wife of Cleophas, 

and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, 

and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, 

he saith unto his mother, 

Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple, 

Behold thy mother! 

And from that hour that disciple took her 

unto his own home.

JESUS was definitely referring to a man (His apostle, John), when He said:

"Woman, behold thy son!"

And to the disciple, "Behold thy mother!"

Note the gender here:

"And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

We must really be careful these days.

Of how the enemy deceives us.

Twisting the LORD's gospel this way, and that.

1 Timothy 4:1-2

King James Version

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, 

that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, 

giving heed to seducing spirits, 

and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; 

having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

The SPIRIT of GOD straightens us all out.

Through Scripture.

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26

King James Version

26 But when the Comforter is come, 

whom I will send unto you from the Father, 

even the Spirit of truth, 

which proceedeth from the Father, 

he shall testify of me:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

We must treat GOD's WORD as sacred.

If we are true born again.

And disciples of JESUS.

2 Timothy 2:15

King James Version

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth.

And if you're not?

Well, it's time to be.

It's all preparation now.

Related post:

The APOSTLE whom JESUS loved

How can YOU not WANT to BECOME born again?

GOD's TRUTH

Image: Clipart Library

As FILTHY rags

 

Isaiah 64:6

King James Version

6 But we are all as an unclean thing, 

and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; 

and we all do fade as a leaf; 

and our iniquities, 

like the wind, 

have taken us away.

Do you consider yourself to be righteous?

Why does prophet Isaiah then call our righteousness, as "filthy rags"?

A born again can well understand.

We don't take offense.

For these reasons:

Proverbs 16:2

King James Version

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; 

but the Lord weigheth the spirits.

Isaiah 64:7

King James Version

7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, 

that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: 

for thou hast hid thy face from us, 

and hast consumed us, 

because of our iniquities.

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts:

 for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

John 8:44-45

King James Version

44 Ye are of your father the devil, 

and the lusts of your father ye will do. 

He was a murderer from the beginning, 

and abode not in the truth, 

because there is no truth in him. 

When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: 

for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, 

ye believe me not.

Romans 3:11-23

King James Version

11 There is none that understandeth, 

there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way, 

they are together become unprofitable; 

there is none that doeth good, 

no, not one.

13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; 

with their tongues they have used deceit;

the poison of asps is under their lips:

14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:

17 And the way of peace have they not known:

18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, 

it saith to them who are under the law: 

that every mouth may be stopped, 

and all the world may become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law 

there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: 

for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God 

without the law is manifested, 

being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God 

which is by faith of Jesus Christ 

unto all and upon all them that believe: 

for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, 

and come short of the glory of God;

1 John 5:19

King James Version

19 And we know that we are of God, 

and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

"Filthy rags" (flesh and blood) cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:50

King James Version

50 Now this I say, brethren, 

that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; 

neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

We need to be born again.

John 3:3-7

King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, 

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, 

How can a man be born when he is old? 

can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, 

and be born?

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

We need to be "new creatures" in CHRIST.

2 Corinthians 5:17

King James Version

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; 

behold, 

all things are become new.

We need to have "new bodies", free of corruption, for the RAPTURE.

1 Corinthians 15:52-54

King James Version

52 In a moment, 

in the twinkling of an eye, 

at the last trump: 

for the trumpet shall sound, 

and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 

and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, 

and this mortal shall have put on immortality, 

then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 

Death is swallowed up in victory.

Only JESUS can save us from sin, Satan, and ourselves. 

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

Acts 4:12

King James Version

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven 

given among men, 

whereby we must be saved.

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HOLINESS

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