DIFFERENT CHAPTER 4, PART 1 THE REVELATION OF DIVINE TRUTH
DIFFERENT
CHAPTER 4, PART 1
THE REVELATION OF DIVINE TRUTH
John 8:32 King James Version (KJV)
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
To a Believer, it should not be a difficult thing to understand that if we completely remove God from anything, it is unholy and ungodly. However, these types of assumptions are what cause many Believers to fall into darkness. We must begin to make it clear to others as to what believing in God and being Holy and Righteous really means and make them accountable. Believers must understand that each moment without God is as if we removed the water from the Earth , wherein, it is without question that we shall surely die without it to revive our bodies and sustain life.
In search of life and its meaning, in an effort to better ourselves, or, in our ignorance, selfishness, vanity, and pride, man has continually excluded God. Man has been on a relentless, egotistical quest, to prove there is no God, in an effort to shine the spotlight upon himself and his own achievements. Yet, we fail to see that we exclude He who gives meaning to our life, who sustains all life, and extends to us abundant and everlasting life.
Let us look at ourselves as Believers seeking to be Different, before casting all the blame upon nonbelievers. Oftentimes, we, as Believers, say that we are taking God with us. In well-meaning, we bestow a blessing upon someone, saying, "God be with you..." and even adding, "...until we meet again." Still, throughout the day, many of us do not acknowledge God and when we meet that person again, we may be at odds with them, no longer wishing them well.
It is all too clear and too often, that we exhibit that we understand the concept of the Trinity, but, we have not grasped and fully comprehended our becoming One with God. The proof is revealed in our failure to live as spiritual beings tied to the Vine and connected to God through His Holy Spirit. Our minds and hearts are torn away from God by work, studies, relationships, self-absorption, various activities, and events in the world. We become so accustomed to living and functioning without God leading us, that we don't know what it feels like to function with God. Hence, we are easily fooled by the counterfeit--false light.
Within the Light of God, are the Fruits of His Holy Spirit...
Galatians 5:22-23 King James Version (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Yet, the Light is still there within us. Although, we fail to acknowledge Him, He promised never to leave us alone. We may not hear Him, see Him, or feel Him, yet, He remains within us. We know this to be true, because, as the clouds layer themselves to cover the skies, our knowledge tells us that the Sun is still behind them, shining. The daylight appears because the Sun penetrates the clouds. We can see it with our own two eyes. If we are physically blind, we can feel the warmth of the Sun upon us. No one needs to tell us, that the Sun is still there, acting on our behalf, as a gift from God. It is the same when we concentrate only on our physical and mental needs and neglect our spiritual needs, which affect our physical needs. Our vision is clouded, yet, God is still there shining His Light and acting on our behalf, while we lead ourselves down a dark path.
Meanwhile, how beautifully the Sun still lights the sky, shines among the stars, and sets the course for the galaxy in space. Its light makes the galaxy and the world around us come alive, distinguishing and pronouncing colors which bring us joy, variety, warmth; and helping life around us to grow and thrive. God is still good to us, waiting to redirect our steps back to the straight path and the narrow gate.
He sees that throughout our day, we are attracted to false light. It flickers like a candle, soon to burn and melt away or become snuffed out. And in that moment, when the false light is vanquished, there we are, looking outward instead of inward for another light from which to see our lives and the world, ignoring the True Light within. Still, God stays there...waiting.
Within this madness...this abusive relationship with our Father in Heaven, we can fail to see the cycle, just as we can fail to recognize the false light. We can be too blinded by the darkness in the world to see that life doesn't have to be like this. There is another way. However, we believe we are living, because, it's an upgrade from the life we had before. Yet, time and time again, when the false light goes out, we're searching for another.
Within this madness, this abusive relationship with God, are we any different from those people who are OF the world? We turn our godliness on and off like a light switch, believing we are true worshipers and this is just how life is. We can do what we see people of the world doing, because, we are using God as protection like a prophylactic to keep the world from impregnating us. Yet, within our entrapment, the world has raped us, spread its diseases within us, made us sterile, and unable to bear fruit.
Within this madness, this abusive relationship with God, are we any different than an addict who returns to that which poisons and seeks to destroy them over and over again? Nevertheless, we are still loving our flesh and the things of the world, more than we love God. We feel that we need things, people, and situations around us to make us feel that we are a part of something; to give us purpose; to satisfy our flesh and vanity; to validate us; and to make us feel alive and worthy. Yes, we feel that the false light validates us, as it distracts us from worries and concerns, comforts, and appears to satisfy a need, drive, or desire. It is ever so appealing, in whatever form it chooses to appear.
In our Difference, what excuse can we make for our behavior? God has chosen us and if we choose to listen, God's Wisdom teaches us to identify false light. God's Holy Spirit reveals to us that, if we are to remain outside of the realm of darkness, we must not only be brief in our encounter with darkness, but, within our brevity, we must acknowledge and stay in the Light of God. We must live within the revelation of God's Word and cling to holiness.
There are many things that we can learn about, but, when God reveals something to us through His Words, our eyes are opened to receive something beyond knowledge. We are given a higher level of understanding which LIVES within us, connecting us to THE TRUTH, the Source of Knowledge, who is the only wise God. If we choose to reject Truth and follow after sin, then, we are better off not to have known Truth.
2 Peter 2:17-22 King James Version (KJV)
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
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- SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror
Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the questions below.
DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.
QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to this blog. - Have you ever wished someone would reap what they sowed? In other words, get back the pain and sorrow they had caused someone else? Living and walking in the Light of Divine Truth, (God), what need have we to be caught up in the corruption of evil doers? Please read Psalm 37 below. Psalm 37 contrasts the virtues of a good man and the deeds of a wicked man. Each man has a different end. How much do you care about the kind of life you lead and how it will end? Does your life reflect how much you care or don't care? How?
- In our world today, we find many people caught up in wishing harm to an opposing political party or opponent. Have you participated in trying to destroy an opponent, political or otherwise? Should we wish harm on others? Will we, too, reap what we sow by wishing harm on others?
- Can you see how those who do evil and claim to be followers of Jesus and Children of God are really isolated by darkness and cut off from God? Should we hold them accountable for their behavior, although, they've been influenced by darkness and the adversary? Will they change if they don't accept responsibility for every part of their lives?
- People often see safety and power in numbers (multitudes, large groups), but, not so with God. God often uses one person or a small group of people to change circumstances and the world. Those who are isolated and cut off from God feel that they are right and powerful because there are many people who believe as they do. They believe that because of their numbers they can overrule Divine Truth. In Psalm 37, what does it say will happen not only to individuals, but, to all who are wicked, isolated, cut off from God, and who go against righteousness?
- Are you truly Different, led by Divine Truth, or are you isolated, following false light?
- If you choose to follow the ways of the world, just sometimes, are you still living in the revelation of Divine Truth? Are you trying to serve two masters?
- In what areas of your life is God excluded, forgotten, or banned? How can you include God in all that you do? Will those around you understand you?
- Have you excluded God mentally, physically, or spiritually in any way today?
Yesterday? --This Week? When you were alone, or with friends? In a conversation? What were you doing, where you did not acknowledge the presence of God? - When we live in Divine Truth and Holiness, we are not comfortable participating in that which is unholy. Can you take the pressure and criticism from others, who do not feel or believe as you do?
- Do you cave into pressure and play a game, watch a movie, or take part in a conversation that makes you uncomfortable? Why or why not?
- If you refuse to speak up and speak truth, does that make you complicit and an active participant when you know that others are doing or saying something wrong? Why or why not?
- Do you stay around people with negative behaviors (cursing, gossiping, lying, taking drugs, excessive drinking, vandalizing, bullying, violent, willfully stubborn, prideful and ignorant, etc.) just to have friends or to be a part of a social gathering? Does something within you tell you that it is wrong? How long have you been doing this? Do you feel that you have no other choice? Are you afraid to be Different?
- Do your words speak peace and goodwill for others, even when they plot and come against you? If not, are you trusting God? Are you following false light when you wish evil upon others? Are you filled with peace or fear?
- Do you believe that God can and will fulfill all of your needs and desires within His Will for you? Do you believe that God can take away your fear, if you surrender your will to Him?
- Reading God's Word gives us knowledge of God's plan for mankind. However, do you know God's Will for you? Have you asked Him?
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REFERENCED SCRIPTURE
Psalm 37 King James Version (KJV)
1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
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Jude King James Version (KJV)
1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
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