🫈Know 4 Myself🧑🏻‍💻

 Not knowing" is often a place of anxiety, but it is also a space for growth, creativity, and the beginning of wisdom.

Nicodemus was a man that had to find out for himself. Have you ever had to find out? know for yourself? Or are you one who just takes someone else’s word? To find out for yourself takes time. Nicodemus was one of those people who took the time to find out for himself. You have to admire someone like that. Now Nicodemus was a Pharisee which tells us that he was strict in his religion. We are also told that he was a Jew and that he was also well known “a ruler of the Jews.” We are told all that and then we read in John chapter 3 that he wanted to see for himself. We read in John chapter 3 and verse 2 that he came to see for himself one night.  

John 3:2 (KJV) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

I’m not sure who Nicodemus was referring to when he said “we know.” So first of all let’s see what Nicodemus knows. Nicodemus knows that Jesus was a teacher that came from God. He also knew that the average person could not do the miracles that Jesus was doing unless God was with Him.  Then Jesus stops him and says these words “Verily, verily which means in truth, in fact and certainly.” Then Jesus goes on and says “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Then Nicodemus said “how can a man be born again?” Great question Nicodemus. Then he comes up with his own question “can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus answers and uses those words verily, verily again or truly, truly. What is being discussed? “Entering the Kingdom of God.” Then Jesus says “except a man” Jesus doesn't say Nicodemus, Jesus uses the term man as in mankind. First mankind must be born of water? What is Jesus doing here? Is Jesus  painting us another word picture? There is a lot of confusion about this water and I’ll be honest I’m not sure either but here is what I see. Jesus uses the word born of water and of the Spirit. What is interesting is that the very next verse Jesus says this John 3:6 (KJV) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Could water which is a natural substance be a picture of our natural person? Because seeing the Kingdom of God one but be born naturally and spiritually. Once we are born we can never be born naturally again. Now our spirit which communicates with God  

John 4:24 (KJV) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  The spirit died with Adam and Eve. 

Genesis 2:17 (KJV) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

We know that they both partook of that which they were told not to. We also know that they did not die physically. Their way of communicating with God died because they went and hid themself and didn’t want to talk with God. Until that spirit is reborn in us we can not communicate with God our Heavenly Father. Nicodemus wanted to know for himself so he took the time to do so. We may not be right on everything but the one thing we must be right about is Jesus Christ. Too many argue about the water and miss what Jesus is really saying. You want to communicate with God? Then something is going to have to be born and that being your dead spirit. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit.

👩‍🏫Who Taught What📓

 Learning is not a spectator sport.

If we take time to remember we will remember that one day our mom or dad took us somewhere. We had heard about it and were told at times we would one day be going but we still had no understanding of what it would be all about. Then the day came and we were taken to a big building. We got out of the car and were led through doors and were taken to what they called a classroom. On that day we began to be taught what we would need to know as we grew older. During the next 12 years we were taught a lot of things. We were taught how to read and write and over time how to spell words. We learned to solve mathematical problems. Then there was the history where we learned about men and women who went beyond. Women like Best Ross, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and many others. We learned about times and places, states and what their capital cities were. We were given what were called test and given a grade. We learned that we were not the best at some of these subjects and then we were outstanding in other subjects. Then after those 12 years we had the opportunity to continue on and go to college or take what we knew and get started living. In other words where we continued on or went into the work force we still continued learning how to live this life. Not sure if everyone has this down yet or not but this life will come to an end. Just yesterday I was talking with a lady who used these words in a sentence “if I ever die.” I think some people have in their minds that this thing called death will someway, somehow bypass them. The Bible is plain on that subject see if you think so. Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

There is not one person that has ever lived that doesn’t have one appointment they will not miss; death. Some appointments are early in life and others are late in life but they will be met. Well if you think that somehow you will bypass death then keep using that word if. On the other hand, maybe it would be good to learn something about what comes next. How does one do that? Same way you learned what 2+2 was by a teacher that knew math. Everyone has an idea of what comes next or think they do but where did they get their learning? Who taught them? Does what they say work out in their lives? You see, everyone has an opinion but opinions are only statements, theory or events, the truth or falsehood of which is supported by a degree of evidence that renders it probably but does not produce absolute knowledge or certainty. You see 2+2 will always be 4 and that is a fact without argument. The question we must ask ourselves is what we read in the Bible truth? Was Jesus the Son of God? Have we said to ourselves like Pilate did in John 18:38 “What is truth.” 

When Jesus said this unto His disciples the last time He met with them alone on this earth.   

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Can we believe it to be true?

If we don’t then what is ture  and why do we think it to be true? Have you been taught anything spiritual by a person who knows something about the truth he or she is teaching? We spent a lot of time learning what to expect and how to operate in this world we now live in. How about the next or is there a next? How do we know either? Great question, I hope you have a good answer. 2+2 is 4 whether you feel like it is or not! Feeling have no surety. 

🏋️‍♀️My Hope💪

 My hope is built on nothing less

When I was a young boy I remember going to church and hearing this song sung. 

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand

All other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils his lovely face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil

His oath, his covenant, his blood

Supports me in the 'whelming flood

When all around my soul gives way

He then is all my hope and stay

It’s the hymn “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less.” Written by  Edward Mote in 1834.

When I think of that hymn I not only have fond memories but I also understand that it tells of the great foundation of our Christian faith, Jesus Christ.

Webster tells us this about a Foundation: The basis or ground work, or any thing; that on which any thing stands, and by which it is supported.

What is the foundation of our Christian Faith? Jesus Christ! I got to thinking about my Christian Faith and its foundation. Webster says that a foundation is that which any thing stands, and by which it is supported. There are structures that are standing today that are dated back in the BC area. That’s a long time. Now, how in the world is that possible? It's the foundation! What is interesting is this, the most important things can not be seen with the natural eye. We know it’s there because of the standing structure. What is the foundation in our Christian lives? Some might say the Church. I will agree the Church should be important in our lives but it’s not the foundation. Jesus ask this question in  Luke 6:39 (KJV) And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Can a blind person lead a blind person? No! For they will both fall into a ditch, hole, pit. If I were to build something and told myself I really don’t need a foundation, nobody is going to see it anyways. Is this a wise or unwise decision? What do you think will happen? The Bible tells us what will happen. In Luke chapter 6 verses 48 & 49 we are told about 2 men and 2 houses. One is built on a foundation and the other is not. Storms come on both houses, one stands and the other falls. Which one do you think stood? If you said the one with the foundation you were correct. Where is our Christian’s Faith Foundation? My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Another thing about a foundation is that it holds the weight of what is built on it. A foundation that has nothing built on it really has no purpose. For years I kept driving by this lot where someone had taken the time to put in a foundation to build something but nothing ever was built. I have seen this happen in many Christian lives. They realize they need a Savior so they ask the Lord to save them. They even get involved for a time going to Church, wanting to read their Bible and pray. Then it happens, oh not all at once but just slowly they start missing one Church service which leads to another and then not going much at all to not going at all. Bible reading stops and prayer is next and everything is almost back to normal, except for the foundation. It’s there but nothing is built on it, the foundation is carrying no weight and is noticed by almost no one. Now put that in a Christian  perspective. The foundation in the Christin life is Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (KJV) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

There is no other foundation that can be laid outside of Jesus Christ. Once the foundation is laid then there is something to build on. Have you ever noticed a construction site? People everywhere are working to construct a structure on that foundation. In other words it’s not a one man job. Neither should our Christian life, so get busy and start building on your Christian foundation. 

 

🎭Decisions 🧐

   Every decision you make reflects your evaluation of who you are.🫆

Have you ever stopped and looked back over your life and thought what if I would have made that decision instead? Went to college, moved to that state, took that job, bought that stock. We have decisions to make and wishing we had made those other decisions will never give us the right insight with today’s direction. Do you know why? Because we didn’t make that other decision. Moses raised in the Kings Palace had it made so to speak. Moses made another decision and this decision took him far away in another direction. This is what Moses said about that decision; Hebrews 11:24 (KJV) By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Hebrews 11:25 (KJV) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Moses makes the decision to go with the people of God. What did Moses give up? The pleasures of sin, which only lasted for a season. Good decision Moses.  Moses estimated the value higher than the  shame and disgrace, greater than the treasures in Egypt. Greater treasures will never make one happy. Remember Ebenezer Scrooge? He had the treasures of this world and he wasn’t happy until he learned it wasn’t treasures that brought happiness. I have to stop and ask myself, am I happy? If I say I am then what would I say makes me happy? Well it’s not my wealth I can rule that out. Examine myself and this is what I find. First let me clear the air. I don't think it is wrong to have wealth. Some are gifted to have wealth, it is what they do with it. We read in the book of Luke chapter 12 of a man who had a great pay off for his work. He makes plans for the   barns to go to make way for the new barns that are to be built. Then he makes plans for the many years that are to come. He will take it easy, do what he wants to do, go where he wants to go and see what he wants to see. Sounds good, the only problem is he saw many years while he only had a few hours. Decisions we make without ever taking into account we may never see those new barns. Moses made the right decision and because he chose Christ he saw more than new barns. 

Hebrews 11:26 (KJV) Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he (Moses) had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

What makes me happy? Just like Moses I have greater riches than this world can ever offer. What’s that? Christ! If you know Christ then you do also. Oh yes, plan for the future but remember you may not be here to enjoy the future so be happy in the present.

🏋️‍♀️Working Out💪

What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.

This week I talked with a man named Corey. Now Corey lifts weights almost every day. Corey goes to a certain place and pays a trainer to help him maintain. Corey has disciplining himself to do what it takes. As I talked with Corey he told me that his body hurts and if he doesn’t do his work outs that body begins to lose its firmness. I watched Corey workout for a minute as he worked his legs, his upper arms, the weight he lifted and the times he lifted those weights was nothing I could do. Why? Because my body was not conditioned to do what he was doing. There was another reason why and it was because I had no desire to do so. After thinking about what I saw and heard it got me thinking on spiritual basics. Corey wants that for his life and because he wants it he has disciplined his life and sacrificed things to get it. There is nothing wrong with wanting what Corey wants and is doing. The only thing I can see is no matter how much or how disciplined sooner or later he will not be able to maintain his present goals. Why? Because our bodies are not designed to live forever they get old and things don’t work like they used to. I’m all for staying healthy and taking care of our body. The Bible tells us that we need to exercise and we need to eat the right kind of foods. If we do all that the Bible still says life is short compared to eternity. Wouldn’t you think the same is true about our spiritual lives? Our relationship with Jesus Christ? I have to ask myself, am I disciplined about my spiritual life? Corey doesn’t work out once a week hoping that’s enough. No, it’s almost everyday. He is willing to go and willing to put forth the effort. He is willing to listen to his trainer. He is willing to pay for the help he is getting. So what do I want Spiritually? What’s my goal? Am I willing to go to a place that is designed to help me grow spiritually? Is my desire to grow spiritually? What’s my goal? Am I working toward my goal? If I am, it will be noticeable on the inside but also on the outside. There are some things I will have to put off. 

Ephesians 4:22 (KJV) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:23 (KJV) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Just like Corey I have a trainer and He is called the Holy Spirit. He lives on the inside and will help me “put off” how? Great question. By the renewing of my mind. There are words in my vocabulary. He will help me change. Then my “deceitful lusts.” In other words the Holy Spirit is instructing me. So to put it simple we start with 10 pounds and slowly work my way upward. The same as if you wanted to build your body muscle up. One can’t start at 400 pounds. One can’t put off without putting on. Ephesians 4:24 (KJV) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

What am I to put on?  

Ephesians 4:25 (KJV) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:26 (KJV) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:27 (KJV) Neither give place to the devil.

Those things don’t come automatically. I need help and help lives on the inside of me. I’m willing and desire to put the time in. Which will allow me to get great results spiritually. I usually go to the spiritual gym at least 3 times a week. I workout with my trainer almost every day. I can feel and see the difference. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

🤹A Real Friend Loves All The Time⏱️

 True friends are never apart, maybe in distant but never in heart.

Oh how true that is. I have a close friend that lives in Kentucky. Although he lives almost 500 miles apart, it doesn't affect our friendship. We met in the early 1990’s and became instant friends and because of our friendship it has led to other friendships in Indiana. I’m not talking about people we just know. Oh no, I’m saying that If me and my wife were to jump in the car and go to either state. We would have those who would and have opened up their home. We would sit for hours and talk as if we lived next door. Real friends that live miles away that we hardly see face to face. These are true friends that I could write about page after page úntil you would feel as if you knew them too. 

Proverbs 17:17 (KJV) A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

We hear or may use the word friend loosely. A friend is described here as true, hearty, faithful loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity. Now these kinds of friends are few and far between. These are not your Facebook friends, you will never have 100’s of them, only 1 or 2 in a lifetime. This man or woman you call your best friend is the person in your life that never judges you. You feel safe that you can tell them anything and they will never share it with anyone. There was a man I worked with. He opened up his heart one time and said to me I’m not sure I’m going to heaven, I’m just not sure I have been saved. On that day a journey began as I began to show him what he already knew. Every Bible verse I would show him he already knew. It seemed like this journey would never end. I just couldn’t help him. Then one night he started talking with me again on this subject. On that night I didn’t say a word until he was finished. I didn’t interrupt, I didn’t say but the Bible says, I just let him talk. When he said all he had to say I looked him in the eyes and said that I believed him. I told him that his actions were telling me that it was true there will be no heaven for you. No Bible verses, no trying to explain, just you are right, no Heaven for you. On that night something happened, it was like a blind man being healed, God did something within his heart. After that night he has never said another word to me about that subject. That has been many years ago now. We are still best of friends although we don't work together anymore and He has been the Pastor of  a Church for years now. He called me not long ago and told me of a dream he had. He said I dreamed I was dying and I had this awful pain in my chest. He said I heard the voice of the Lord saying “it’s going to hurt but not for long” and then he woke up. After telling me of his dream he said oh how I want to see the Lord and that wonderful place called heaven. He and I and the Lord are the only ones who know about those nights we talked. Over the years we have told each other things we would never tell an average friend. Those kinds of talks are graveyard talks meaning that we will go to our graves never sharing a word. If you have that kind of a friend you know what I’m saying. Then there is your brother; “a brother is born for adversity.” Your biological brother could be one that will help in time of “adversity” An event, or series of events, which oppose success or desire; misfortune; calamity; affliction; distress; state of unhappiness.

Our brother or sister may be another that would be there when adversity hits our lives. Many times there is nothing they can do but listen but those words they say are so meaningful. They don’t change what has happened but they give so much comfort. There were at one time 3 women in my life that I listened to, my mother, my wife and my daughter. Because of our enemy death that has now taken my mother there are only 2. As I sit here and think of the real friends I have that I really trust there are only two. One of them lives close by and the other is 500 miles away. When I need a friend they are only a phone call away. I have never asked either one for money but I have told them things I would pay them money not to tell. Oh that’s called black-male which neither would do. Why? Because they are my friends.

🙆🏻‍♂️I Don't Want Those But’s😩

Happiness can be found in the darkest of days if we remember to turn on the light.

Proverbs 15:15 (KJV) All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

I know you know somebody that is “afflicted” The word means repeated pain, either of body or mind; suffering grief or distress.

Afflicted with some type of continual pain from some type of disease. One can be “afflicted” in the mind as suffering as they grief the loss of a loved one. I read of a man who buried his wife of many years. Coming home from her funeral sitting down in his recliner and dying himself. His grief was more than he could take. We all have suffering, grief and distress in this life. There is no escaping it, it’s coming. When I read that verse in the book of Proverbs I see a word before that word “afflicted.”

It is the very first word in that verse “All.” The word “All” gives me more insight “All the days of the afflicted are evil:” This makes me ask myself what type of affliction could cause me to be “afflicted” every single day?  Maybe a desire? King Saul had a desire to kill David. 

1 Samuel 23:14  (KJV) And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.       

King Saul sought after David every day. Was it jealousy? Was it fear? Was it paranoia? Was it because of David’s popularity or his military success? I’m not sure but every day King Saul, had getting rid of David on his mind. What is the answer to someone who thinks like King Saul. Every day all they can think about is how to get the next whatever….. Jealousy floods our mind because of…… Fear over takes us about……. We think everyone is looking at us, talking about us, and they know what we did. If that is the case then we have become paranoid. Look, there’s that word “but” we are about to be told about a different direction. “a merry heart…” What will that do for my jealousy, fear, and being paranoid? Proverbs 15:13 (KJV) A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: Makes a cheerful face. Oh no there’s that word “but” again. but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The best way I know to keep the smile off my face is to have a heart that is broken. If the smile is gone then you might need some medicine. I know the best medicine you can take it’s  “A merry heart.” 

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: Well you might say “I just don’t feel like being merry today.” If that's the case get ready here comes another “but.” “but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

A Merry Heart will give you  “a  cheerful countenance.” “a continual feast”and “doeth good like a medicine” that’s what I want a “merry heart ” I sure don’t want all those but’s.