Found Lacking Wisdom in the Sight of God

-->

As I read this passage from Matthew 11... three of these verses spoken by Jesus stood out from the rest.

The first verse:

"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]."

The second verse:

“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,”

Note that "generation" is a group of men very like each other in endowments, pursuits, and character.

The third verse:

The Son of Man came eating and drinking [with others], and they say, ‘Look! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews]!’ Yet wisdom is justified and vindicated by her deeds [in the lives of those who respond to Me].””

MATTHEW11:12, 16, 19

So I started journaling

The kingdom of heaven is under violent assault yet people act like children.... They do not know the times in which they live. They have no real discernment.  They lack restraint.  They act like they don’t have any accountability for their actions.

People calling to each like "group" of children in the market place... "playing games".

They are always trying to be justified and vindicated by their peers for how they want to be seen ... and whatever they want and do.  They judge by mere appearances.  They are not free from the sinful wants that steer put downs and enticing words from their lips.  They compare based on what they value in their own little group... but will their judgments mean anything when they stand before God?  

They are not wise or cleaver in the sight of God.  Why value the opinions of such people more then God? They are like a wildflower in a field. Here today gone tomorrow.  They cannot see what is right in front of them.  They put down God to His face.

People's opinions matter very little when it comes to God.  John The Baptist, did he play to whatever tune people wanted him to play?  No He did not.  He spoke whatever God had him speak.  He did whatever God had him do.  He was not sway like a reed by every breath of wind.  He was not afraid to speak the truth and did not deny me when pressed, even with the earthly consequences that ended in his beheading by the wicked.

To put hope, trust and reverence in God, above all things, that is wisdom and life and life eternal.  People who lack wisdom act like spoiled children.  They act like the world, which is full of hypocrisy, stubbornness, selfishness, foolishness, pride, deceit, and lust of power.  They war and violently assault what they don’t care to understand.  They war against life itself for what, for things that will perish and come to nothing?  They care more about the love of the world then the everlasting love of the Father.

This has caused much unrest in people's lives.

The “generation” that disregards God's word publicly shows its filthy ignorance, immaturity and their path to destruction.

Wisdom comes from God not our own understanding... Wisdom works when you fear God and follow Him.  Wisdom works when you actually listen and respond to God.

The fact is a child who has faith in God has more wisdom flowing through them then those who act as the world does that controlled by Satan.  (Powerful)

In the passage Jesus denounces certain cities and their destruction for not turning to God.  These were cities he did the most miracles in...

They did not have wisdom to see God's goodness and mercy. They took it for granted.

Then Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””

Matthew 11:25-30

This is wisdom... This is the remedy for living in a world that lacks wisdom.  This is the healthy alternative... to help us to stand firmly, securely and peaceful in God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3  

They could have the kingdom of heaven if they just would submit and see their need for God.

In God's Country Pt.2

                

In the last post, I shared with you how individuals and churches around the world are on the doorstep of a spiritual famine...  and unfortunately there are individuals and churches that have already stepped through that door.  

We spoke briefly of the causes of spiritual famine but let's look at them in a list.

1.     Sin. “Sin separates us from God.  Our sin alienates God in our life.” Isaiah 59:2

2.     Unbelief.   “Is a harden heart that doesn’t sincerely seek God”. One might say unbelief is being “estranged” from God, like a husband and wife don’t “intimately know” each other anymore.  They are estranged.  Hebrews 11:6

3.     Worldliness.  “Trusting in, consuming and participating in things that don’t give you spiritual substance for endurance and strength.  You reflect the world’s ideals and values more then God’.” Isaiah 55:2  

4.     False beliefs.  “They trust in anything but God.  They trust in their abilities, possessions, money, other so-called gods, and so forth ” Isaiah 8:19-22

5.     Self-satisfaction. “You seek only your own self gratification.  Its like being that cloud passing over dry land and giving no rain.   You are no longer salty or a light to the world.” Matthew 5:13-16

6.     Testing God. “Not obeying and/or reverencing the Lord God.” Deuteronomy 6:15-17.   You become indifferent to the things of God.  You compromise to things you know are wrong.  Example: Some churches have said homosexuality isn't wrong when the word of God is clear it is wrong.  Personally: You have sex out of marriage.

Exempt from the causes of spiritual famine/hunger is God trying his servants to make them reflect His goodness such as Job 23:8-10 and when the Father could not look at Jesus because he became our sin offering on the cross.  His presence was no longer felt.  Jesus felt the spiritual famine of not having the presence of the Father with Him.

“About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?’ that is ‘MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?’” Matthew 27:46

What one experiences in spiritual hunger and famine.  

Do you know the LORD's words in Amos 8?

"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land- not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD.  People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the LORD, running here and going there, but they will not find it.  Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary, thirsting for the LORD'S word.  And those who worship and swear by the idols of Samaria, Dan, and Beersheba will fall down, never to rise again." Amos 8:11-14

The soul of person and a soul of nation prospers only in the WORDS OF THE LORD.   The words of GOD don't have to disappear for people not to hear them- an individual maybe able to read the print but who gives them their meaning?  GOD.  So when one does not seek GOD- they can't understand and discern their meaning in their soul.  Our Creator created us to live on the WORD of GOD.

Jesus said,

 "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

 We thirst without "meaning" of God's word.   We indeed grow faint and weary not able to "hear."

As Romans 10:17 says,  

 ^"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

    

The absence of "hearing" (from God) leads to spiritual famine and hunger.  Again nothings prospers without God's "living" word in our life.

NOTE 1:
One feels the monotony/pressures of life. 
Faith becomes religion not a relationship with God. 
Looking for the next best exciting thing. 
Looking for the next thing that might give rest to soul.   
Their soul compass hinges on their own understanding not on God and the promises of God.
They thirst for God. (Pslam 84:2)

NOTE 2:    
One has a total loss of sustaining hope and joy because of the absence of God. (Psalm 51:12) 

God’s word being withheld.  
No spiritual food to feed one’s soul.   
No deep fulfilling insight is given. 
Having to continually be reminded of the basics. 1 Corinthians 3:2   

NOTE 3:   
 God’s Spirit is withheld.  
 Many fall asleep spiritually.  
 Dreamers die.  
 There is no renewing of the mind.  
 Don’t know God’s will which is good, pleasing and perfect. 1 Corinthians 11:30

Is it TOO LATE to step off that doormat and step back through that door? 

The answer is in the word of God but the invitation isn’t a lasting one – for the Lord will return and by then it will be too late.  (We see this in story of the five wise and five foolish virgins. Matthew 25)

Jesus tells the Laodicea church, “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.  I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.  Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:20-22

RELIEF from SPIRITUAL famine and crisis is FOUND…. 

1.     ONLY in GOD.  People must turn to GOD/ Jesus Christ. (John 10:9-10)

2.     When we turn away/admit and repent of our sinful behavior.  (Romans 3:27-28 & Micah 6:8)

3.     When we seek God’s mercy, who forgives us and gives us sufficient grace to endure and overcome.  Through drawing close to God, He breaks our oppression, depression, bondages and temptations.  (Micah 6:8)

4.     When we walk humbly with God in Spirit and truth (the word).  Seeing your value and purpose is in God not the things of this world and the circumstances in your life.  (Micah 6:8)

5.     Know this life is temporary.  Don’t give up.  Know an everlasting relief from spiritual famine is COMING when God takes us to heaven. (John 11:25)

Consistency of GOD

The consistency of God must not be determined in the substrates of human understanding, which might be prejudice and carried in the matters of indecision. 

The consistency/faithfulness of God is proven when God imprints himself on the individual regardless of earthly circumstances. 

For the sky is veiled by blue in the day and only reveals the stars at night.  

When one insists on the consistency of God and/or questions the consistency of God I wonder from what they are referencing.

I am not saying GOD is unfaithful but I am saying to really understand the consistency of God we must trust beyond the confines of the human conditions and mindsets that trip us up.  Let us take comforts for example.  American Christians wouldn't say creature comforts determine the faithfulness of God but if certain circumstances came upon them, would they question God's faithfulness?  Would they remember Job from the bible?  Would they remember all Jesus suffered and spoke?

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

One who reads Ecclesiastes finds everything in this life is meaningless without God.  I do wonder if the American ideals of comfort have mixed into the American church, causing a weakness in the understanding the consistency of God.

And like Pastor Charles Stanley spoke this morning, sometimes God allows certain uncomfortable situations to occur in our life to get our attention, that he might benefit our soul.    I know that is true when it came to me coming to Jesus.  God had to get my attention- so I would not just drift along in the affairs of the world and life. 

The proven consistency of GOD … needs to go beyond ourselves.  It needs to go beyond what we consider faithful in the faithful sense.  Is this not true... good as well as bad can be used for our good? 

God touched on this last time.

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.…” Romans 8:35-37  

Sense GOD is Spirit, his faithfulness does not just stop with the physical but through the Spirit, moves in us effecting our "mental/emotional state as an individual.  It causes a "self-control" that is not dependent on the faulty wiring within us.  We have peace though we should not have peace.  We are merciful in situations that could be unmerciful.  We are unforgiving in situations that seem unforgivable... and so on.

God's consistency is answering the spiritual need not just the physical need. 

It is humbling to visit a 3rd world country and see people with hardly anything yet God is their strength.  And they know, regardless of what they have or not have, they are children of the Most High.    

God allowed nearly everyone of his faithful disciples to be slaughtered except John who was boiled alive and survived? But did their faith in God break? Of course not! Jesus even told Peter how he would die. 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!" John 21:18-19

But how did God empower them?

God had to become BIGGER then the physical.  God had to become BIGGER then death.  The faith and consistency of God had to become known in the spiritual not the material or physical sense.

And throughout the centuries many Christians have been murdered and martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ but only stood to face the darkness because they saw WHO was mightier then the darkness. 

God does care about our physical everyday needs to sustain this mortal body of ours, which is His temple. (John 2:20-22 Reference of Jesus speaking of His body has the temple)

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16

In many cases God’s temples has been trampled, ripped apart, shot, burned, beheaded, hung, crucified... hence not respected.

This temporal body, a temple, isn’t to last, it is only a vessel that holds our soul, our soul that is to be imprinted upon by God as we trust and submit in Him.  The soul is what matters most!  It is what will last forever! Not this body which will return to the ground.      

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

We must recognize that our trust in God needs to go beyond confines of the human condition.   The human condition will be broken someday and the soul will be whatever God has made with it through our relationship with Him. 

The Christian soul thrives when it seeks, looks and resigns itself to God in whatever comes but it suffers when it does not.

Jesus said he came to give life and life more abundantly.  In many aspects we must think of LIFE as not us having life but LIFE possessing us for GOD is LIFE.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Johns 14:6

How many times have you seen a person’s faith grow stronger not dimmer in stimuli and circumstances that have brought about certain finalities?  What is supernaturally happening in those individuals?

Have you ever watched a Christian who is dying?  Have you ever heard the conversations and sentences they speak when they sleep?  Profound…

Their soul is being prepared to leave its dying and broken confines, in fact their soul even seems to come in and out of this reality, to where God is. 

Their dying body struggles but beyond the body is a soul at peace and rest.  (Not so for the soul that is not a Christian.)

Then after all has been accomplished in the soul, God lifts the soul out the body like taking a long sleeve shirt off over someone’s head.   The hands go up and the head lifts, the eyes open briefly and then they are gone.   All that is left is a broken shell that was once animated by the soul.

The soul that was not made for this world but made for God, to glorify God on this earth in the body which is was given.

God DOES heal.  God DOES rescue.  God DOES restore.  God DOES provide.   I have experienced these things but but let's not the circumstances in life short change us in getting a fuller deeper understanding of the faithfulness of God.

“All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:3-5

 

These Pointless and Senseless Acts of Violence Towards People and God's Children

I know these verses might seem random but they are not.   

We live in a world where I continually have to ask, "What is the logic? What is the foundation of such thoughts?  Has opinion replaced fact or is fact undiscernable to those those who don't know God?  

Now I ask, "What is the logic to this violence?  What is the reasoning?  There seems to be none but blind vengeance.  Drunk with hatred this evil staggers out public and harms and kills whoever might be in it's path. 

God spoke of these things in His Word. He knew times like these would to come.  He knew men's hearts would grow cold and turn to such darkness.  

But what is more alarming is the lack of wisdom/good sense the mainstream media has.  Why would ISIS tell anyone the truth?  They thrive on deception.  Small or large, why does anyone have to settle for such attacks as... "It is just the way things are"? Who settles for such ideas?     

IN a very odd sense these violent individuals are only strengthening those in the Christian faith.  They are only strengthening the Christian resolve.  Christians are holding on less to this life and turning to, holding and trusting more in GOD.  Throughout Christian history faithful Christians (men, women, and children) have been victims to bloody attacks for their faith in Jesus Christ. 
  

  "And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it." Matthew 11:12

And when these violent people are killing Christians others are seeing the conviction of their Christian faith even when faced with death.  People are taking notice and people are coming to Christ- they want what these people know and believe and won't relinquish despite their spilled blood that cries out from the ground like Abel's.

Greg Laurie shared a story about a man named Polycarp.  He was pastor of the Church of Smyrna.  He was martyred on February 23, 155 AD. 

"On that day, the public games were taking place, and the crowds were whipped into a real frenzy.  Someone cried out, "Let Polycarp be searched for!"  

The night before, Polycarp had a dream in which the pillow under his head was on fire.  He woke up and told his follow believers, "I must be burned alive."  When Polycarp was arrested, he asked for the privilege of having a final hour to spend with the Lord in prayer.  

As Polycarp entered the Roman arena, God spoke to his heart and said, "Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man."  The Roman proconsul gave him a choice between cursing then name of Christ and making a sacrifice to Caesar, or dying.  Polycarp said, "Eight-six years I have served the Lord.  He has done me no wrong.  How can I blaspheme my King who has saved me?"

When the proconsul threatened him with being burned at the stake, Polycar replied, "You threaten me with the fire that burns for a time and is quickly quenched, but you do not know the fire that awaits the wicked and the judgment to come into everlasting punishment. Why are you waiting?  Come and do what you will."

The crowds went crazy, providing firewood and kindling from their woodshops.  There Polycarp stood, and they set the wood around him on fire.  Amazingly, the fire did not harm him.  It came right up to him and would not burn him, while Polycarp sang praises to God. 

Finally, they couldn't wait any long and thrust him through with spears.  Polycarp showed true courage in the face of true persecution."    

Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior said:

 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell^." Matthew 10:28

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, said:
"Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers."

  Matthew 24:9

This violence today is just as irrational as it was back in Polycorp's time.   It was too kill anyone thought less of and doesn't follow and go along with certain religious practices.  Today it is the same but instead of killing for sport they kill for terror hoping it to cause panic, sow distrust, fear and unrest.  These are tactics that come straight from the devil handbook.  This is this pointless violence.  This is senseless violence. This violence has no reward.   It kills many and condemns the attacker to unquenchable flames of hell.  This violence is only a tool of evil.  A tool the devil uses to destroy what God has created and misdirect what God wants for His creation.  The devil manipulates men to destroy men, the creation God made in His own image. GOD sent HIS SON, Jesus Christ, to save and transform humanity from this kind of fallen mentality, this thinking that only separates them from their Creator.

Jesus Christ from whom all things were created through said, "Put away your sword, those who use the sword will die by the sword." Matthew 26:52

MURDER is SIN

God says: "You must not murder." Exodus 20:13 

This is how Jesus Christ, the Creator, spoke to some of religious men who were trying to kill him: 

³⁴ Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. ³⁵ A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ³⁷ Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. ³⁸ I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”

³⁹ “Our father is Abraham!” they declared.

“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. ⁴⁰ Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. ⁴¹ No, you are imitating your real father.”

They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”

⁴² Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. ⁴³ Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! ⁴⁴ For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! ⁴⁶ Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

⁴⁸ The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?”

⁴⁹ “No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. ⁵¹ I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”

⁵² The people said, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’ ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ ⁵⁵ but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” ⁵⁹ At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.

John 8:34-59

    

These violent estranged individuals from God, have not embraced God for who He is but have alienated themselves from God by carrying out these violent acts.  THINK!  Acts of violence never make one right before God. 

 These evil acts are man wanting control. They are placing themselves in God's place.  They are of religion not of GOD.  Has anyone not learned from the past?  This pointless violence comes from the fallen sinful understanding that is idolatry, participation in demonic activities (murder, lies, deceit) hostility, quarreling, jealousy, out bursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, and feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group...) Note Galatians 5:19-21

The word says, "Don't be misled.  Remember that you will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death.  But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.  So don't get tired of doing what is good.  Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time," Galations 6:7-9  

 These violent acts of terror are against God and HIS Ways. 

 Jesus CHRIST, Deity, GOD, LORD of lords, Who conquered death and the grave and is Life said,

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me." Matthew 12:30

I know some of these violent people think Jesus was only a good man or a prophet of God but he was MORE then a prophet.

Jesus said, "I am the Messiah!" John 4:26

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." John 11:25

No prophet can promise that! 
Why do I tell you these things? One is remind you of the things Christ said and encourage you.  Two, to reach those who do not know.  That they might turn to God so God can give them living revelation in their heart that these things are true.  

I was speaking to a brother in Christ who used to be entrenched in evil practices.  He was told about Jesus. Curious, he just asked, "Jesus if you are real reveal yourself to me".  And instantly Jesus appeared before him in his face.  Needless to say, he left his evil practices behind and surrendered His heart to the LORD.  Now, years later he is teaching others about Christ Jesus as the Lord leads him. 

Jesus said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day.  With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations,  beginning in Jerusalem:  There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.  You are witnesses of all these things.  And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised.  But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."

For by the Holy Spirit comes living wisdom, resurrection power that continually teaches and transforms the heart to live liberated in God's love.

It is just as the Sovereign LORD spoke to the prophet Ezekiel

"And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new obedient heart.  And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command."

Ezekiel 36:26-27

The Apostle Paul wrote,

"So we have stopped evaluating other by what the world thinks about them.  Once I mistakenly thought of Christ that way, as though he were merely a human being.  How differently I think about him now!  What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons.  They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone.  A new life has begun!  All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did.   And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them.  This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others.  We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you.  We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, "Be reconciled to God!"  For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

It takes a honest, humble, strong, discerning person to realize he/she needs God, Jesus Christ.  He is the one who gives you direction and purpose in every good thing you do.

 Jesus said, "God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them." Matthew 5:3

Jesus said, "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8 

I too have seen Jesus Christ and things I did not think I would likely see until I passed through the veil of this life.  I tell you these things not to boost. I am an ordinary simple person.  A man very unimportant in the eyes of the world.  I share these things in hopes people stop and turn to Jesus so they might be saved and be transformed in heart and mind, and spirit.

Remember what Jesus said, "God bless you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.  Be happy about it!  Be very glad!  For a great reward awaits you in heaven,  And remember the ancient prophets were persecute, too."

Matthew 5:11

Again, persecution has the opposite affect of what these violent men want.