WHERE?..,,,HOW?,,,,,CAN I FIND PEACE???

"But now, Thus says the LORD...WHO created you...WHO formed you...Fear not,  for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are MINE...for I AM the LORD your GOD, the HOLY ONE of ISRAEL, your SAVIOR." (Isaiah 43:1-3),

"Rejoice IN THE LORD ALWAYS (Delight, Gladden yourselves IN HIM!!! Again I say REJOICE!!! (Philippians 4:4/Amplified Bible).

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything...But IN every circumstance and IN everything...by prayer with Thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to GOD." (Philippians 4:6/      Amplified Bible).

"For unto us a Child is born, to us a SON is given; and the government shall rest on HIS shoulder, and HIS NAME shall be called WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE, of the INCREASE of HIS GOVERNMENT and of PEACE there shall be no end..." Isaiah (9:6-7)/Amplified Bible).

"And HE shall be a sanctuary (a Sacred and Indestructible safety) to those who REVERENTLY FEAR AND TRUST IN HIM..." (Isaiah 8:14/Amplified Bible).         

"...Brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, Fix your mind on/MEDITATE on these things..." (Philippians 4:8/Amplified Bible).

MEDITATE: Quietly repeating the Scriptures in a soft sound, while     Utterly Abandoning outside distractions...continually repeating JESUS' NAME, Thanking HIM... for JESUS HIMSELF is our peace.  (Ephesians 2:14)...

"And GOD'S peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its Salvation through JESUS CHRIST, and so fearing nothing from GOD and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and Mount Guard OVER your hearts and minds IN JESUS CHRIST. (Philippians 4:7/Amplified Bible).

Definition: "Peace, Shalom, ("shah-loam"), Strong's #7965. Completeness, wholeness, peace, health, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord.  Thus Shalom is much MORE than the absence of war and conflict: it is the Wholeness that the entire human race seeks". (Nahum 1:15/Word Wealth).

The angels understood at HIS birth that JESUS was to be the great peace-bringer, as they called out: "Glory to GOD in the highest; and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!". (Nahum 1:15 Word wealth/Luke 2:14-17/Isaiah 9:7).

In (John 14:27) JESUS says "Peace I leave with you.  MY peace I give to you; NOT as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

++++Please be sure to ask, and Allow, "the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you into all truth.  (John 16:13). ++++

"If we are faithless (do not believe and are untrue to Him) HE remains true (faithful to HIS WORD and HIS righteous character) for HE cannot deny HIMSELF." (2 Timothy 2:13)/Amplified Bible).

PLEASE DO READ this  ALOUD to yourself 12 times in the next 2 weeks; and frequently thereafter!!!

You will be Amazed at what all the HOLY SPIRIT teaches YOU!!!!!

AMEN.  

 

SOLOMON........YOU?........YES!!!

In 1 Kings, Chapters 5:1 - 8:66  We learn that GOD chose Solomon to build a House/Temple for the NAME of GOD!!!

Let's seek GOD'S WORD to learn what GOD wants to teach us through His plans, materials, etc. for building His temple...And seek ALL that HE wants us to learn...

Oh HOLY SPIRIT, I submit myself to YOU - asking YOU to guide me into all truth in writing this (as JESUS says in John 16:13).

To those who are reading this - I ask You to pray/ask-Submit to the HOLY SPIRIT to guide You into all truth!!!

First, let's look at some "numbers" about the temple that Solomon built.  ++++(Please be alert for More truths about "numbers" through this message!).++++

A) How many Men did Solomon have working to build the temple?    He had 30,000 men of Israel, Plus 70,000 men who carried burdens, and 80,000 men who quarried stone in the mountains.  (These 70,000 + 80,000 men were Sidonians/Phoenicians from other nations). (1 Kings 1: 1-18).

B) Materials:                                                                                            1. (see above for) 80,000 men who quarried stone.                                2. The pillars for the temple, and some of the implements, were made of bronze.                                                                                                   3. Many of the articles used in the temple were made of Silver!            4. GOLD: Ahhh... the gold!!!                                                                   In the temple that Solomon built for The NAME of GOD...                    (a) The tables, the lampstands, etc. were made of Gold.                        (b) He overlaid the inside of the temple with pure Gold.                        (c) "The whole temple he overlaid with Gold. (1 Kings 6:22).

So, it took a total of approximately 180,000 men to build the temple.  "So he was seven years in building it." (1 Kings 6:38).

The temple was destroyed approximately 400 years later by Nebuzaradan (the captain of the army of Nebuchadnezzar).                  (2 Kings 25: 8-10).

Now, another bit of information revealed to me about "numbers" by the Holy Spirit through my personal experience:

One Sunday, as I drove home after morning Worship Service...I began (speaking aloud) Thanking Holy GOD Our FATHER for enabling us to experience HIS PRESENCE during Worship!!!  I struggled with words (like): "Father, I would not exchange that experiencing YOUR PRESENCE for a Thousand Dollars!!!".  (Right away I knew that was too small a number!).  So I then said "I would not exchange that experiencing YOUR PRESENCE for a Million Dollars!!!

Over the next few days GOD our FATHER gave me understanding: "You cannot measure things of MY kingdom with earthly measures."

One more example of me trying to measure with "numbers": During my work/career, I drove the same route from home to work, then back home more than 12,000 times.  Almost every time that I crossed the Chattahoochee River bridge---I prayed for a specific person to accept JESUS as his Savior and Lord!!!

After I retired from my job I (again, foolishly) said "LORD, I have prayed thousands of times for (that person)...How many Prayers is it going to take to get him to accept JESUS as his Savior and LORD? Our Ever-Unchanging LORD ("JESUS CHRIST is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever"/1 Timothy 1:1/Malachi 3:6)...HE gave to me understanding - "you cannot measure things of MY Kingdom with earthly measures.  Continue praying."

Of course HOLY GOD MOST HIGH (Psalm 47:2) supplied all of the lumber, stone, bronze, silver, and gold that was used by Solomon to build the temple.

Let's now consider the Present days, and the Future---                            "...your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO lives within you, WHOM you have received (as a gift) from GOD...you are not your own.  You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own].  So then, honor GOD and bring glory to HIM in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20/Amplified Bible).

We have learned that "numbers" are wholly inadequate to "measure" Heaven.                                                                                                    While we are here on earth HE can use numbers to teach and guide us EACH and ALL:

JESUS says in HIS prayer in (John 17:3):  "YOU, the ONLY True and real GOD..."

GOD sent his ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to pay the price for you and for me (EACH and every ONE!!!). (John 1:14/John 3:16).

GOD our FATHER, JESUS His SON, The HOLY SPIRIT--- 3 in 1 (three in ONE)!!!

Solomon's temple was destroyed in 400 years.

In Heaven we will live ETERNALLY!!!

How are You and I to respond to HIS TRUTH Revealed???

++++Frequently Read HIS Word++++                                                  ++++Frequently Bow before HIM and Thank HIM, Praise HIM, and Worship HIM!!!++++                                                                              ++++ASK, and ALLOW the HOLY SPIRIT to "...guide us into all Truth..."(John 16:13) - So that through us HE can bring---Each and Every One with us into heaven++++

When You and I eat at a fast-food restaurant...often we are asked if we will "upgrade" to get a Full Meal--- rather than just one burger.

As we "Upgrade" by frequently bowing before HIM, Thank HIM, Praise and Worship HIM, ASK and ALLOW/SUBMIT The HOLY SPIRIT to "Guide us into all Truth---What will GOD give to us as HIS UPGRADE???

In Solomon's days, Gold was a most valuable thing; here on earth, we walk on dull gray concrete side walks.  In Heaven we will walk on STREETS of PURE GOLD!!!! (Revelation 21:21).

"Now to HIM WHO in HIS power that is at work within us, is able to carry out HIS purpose and do Supernaturally, far over and above all that we dare ask or think [beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams---To HIM be glory in HIS church and in CHRIST JESUS throughout all generations Forever and Ever. AMEN So be it." (Ephesians 3:20/Amplified Bible).

  

      

                                         

 

"Darkness"...JESUS says..."

It has been said that"...the culture of the world--- And the culture of our society in our nation (USA) is growing darker and darker."

Some examples: (1) Increasing violence:                                               --attacks on Law Enforcement Officers,                                               --shootings in childrens' schools, and universities,                               --shootings in synagogues and Christian Churches                            (2) Our youth in confusion about their gender...                          3)Entertainment  is more and more filled with explicit behaviors and words that are clearly wrong and Opposite to what JESUS teaches, and opposite to JESUS' life... HE laid down HIS Life to die on HIS cross to save us from our sins---and to show to us that HE is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, And THE LIFE!!! (John 14:6).  JESUS IS THE  LIVING WORD !!!                                         

GOD"S WORD Says:  "For GOD is NOT the Author of Confusion, but of PEACE and ORDER." (I Corinthians 14:33)/Amplified Bible).

As we who Follow JESUS...we are to Follow both THE TEACHER and HIS Teaching!!!

JESUS SAYS: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;  as I have loved you...by this all will know that you are MY DISCIPLES, if you have love for one another." (John 13:31-35).

Judas, identified as the one who betrayed JESUS to those who wanted to Kill JESUS--- "...having received the bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night".  (Please Read John 13: 18-35).

FOOTNOTE under John 13---"The statement that 'it was night' has not only a literal meaning, but also a symbolic/theological meaning as well.  To leave the fellowship of JESUS is to exchange the Light for inevitable darkness."

GOD'S WORD says: ("Now the SPIRIT expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith (no longer following JESUS), giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Timothy 4:1). 

WE (YOU and I) who have accepted JESUS as our SAVIOR and LORD  (John 3:16) --- we are to "... walk as children  of Light." (Ephesians 5: 1-21).

JESUS SAYS "I AM the Light...Follow ME" (John 8:12/Matthew 9:9).

"And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John 1:5).

Definition: Comprehend, Strongs #2638:  the word is capable of three (3) interpretations:                                                                        1) to seize, lay hold of, overcome. As such, verse 5 could read "the darkness does NOT gain control of it (the Light).                              2) to perceive, attain, lay hold of with the mind; to apprehend with mental or moral effort.  With this meaning  the verse could be translated "The darkness is unreceptive and does not understand (the Light).   3) quench, extinguish, snuff out the Light by stifling it.  The darkness will NEVER be able to eliminate (the Light)."          Light and darkness essentially are antagonistic.  The Christian's Joy is in knowing that Light is not only greater than darkness but will also outlast the darkness." HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!!

GOD made the human eye (Psalm 139: 12-13)  so that on a dark night we can see a lit match or a flashlight  at a great  distance.

Better yet --- JESUS is ++++the Way, the Truth, and the Life++++ (John 14:6).  JESUS SAYS "The HOLY SPIRIT will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13).

So, the Holy Spirit will guide us THROUGH the dark---to JESUS the LIGHT---and You and I can follow JESUS the LAMB to the city (New Jerusalem) in heaven - where JESUS/THE LAMB IS the  LIGHT.  (Revelation 21:23).

JESUS  "...HIMSELF is our peace". (Ephesians 2:14).

Let us Each and All read the Book of John (in The New Testament), and FOLLOW JESUS...in "...Peace and order."          1) Corinthians 14:33)---all the Way to Heaven---and live with        HIM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!

JESUS IS THE LIGHT.....FOLLOW HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!                

      

"

JESUS HUMBLED HIMSELF........I sometimes judge others.....                    

When GOD "...formed us in our Mother's womb..." (Psalm 139:13)---HE was already preparing you and me to become like JESUS!!!

GOD built into our KNEES --- the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament. They are named "Cruciate" because these two (2) ligaments CROSS in the knee joint!!!  The word "cruciate"  is from the Latin word "crux" (cross).

[I did ask my Primary Care Doctor if this is correct - and he verified this is Correct.]

If you want --- you can "Google" 'knee joint ligaments --- and see that these two ligaments do CROSS between the patella and the tibia in the knee joint.

JESUS: The only place in the Bible where JESUS describes HIS own Character is (Matthew 11:29) - "...learn from ME, for I  AM gentle (meek) and lowly in heart...".

Definition: meek - "an attitude of humility toward GOD, and genrle toward men, springing from a recognition that GOD is in control." (Nelson Bible Dictionary).

JESUS submitted to GOD'S Plan---which led to HIS death on the cross in order to save you and me from our sins.

In both (Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11)- IT IS WRITTEN "...that to ME, every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess to GOD."

EVERY knee shall bow, EVERY tongue shall confess to GOD..."

Because of GOD'S grace to us - in our acceptance of JESUS as our SAVIOR and LORD.....

GOD gives to us the BLESSED PRIVILEGE that we ++++ CAN and SHALL ++++ KNEEL before HIM in prayer, in Worship, in giving thanks to HIM, in Praise of HIM Many times every month, every week, every day---until HE comes to take us HOME in Heaven!!!

JESUS Says:  "...I AM meek, and lowly in heart,,," (Matthew 11: 29).

As for me, and perhaps you---we often JUDGE others.  I MUST CONFESS that I am the WORST in Judging others.

In (Matthew 7:1) JESUS HIMSELF says:  "Judge not, that you be not judged."

I (Barry) confess that I do judge others...And the HOLY SPIRIT is convicting Me that I MUST CEASE that!!!

When we judge others---we (WRONGLY!) feel that we are ABOVE, or OVER those whom we judge.

For example, I will share two (2) instances when I experienced Judgement:                                                                                               a) As a young man, early each weekday morning---(for exercise) I ran several miles with some friends.  Our usual route was about 4 miles in length,  On a certain morning - I was running several hundred yards BEHIND my group of friends.  One of my friends remarked to me -  "Barry, it looks like you are taking it easy this morning."  What my friend did not know was that on that specific morning---I had already run TWELVE (12) miles BEFORE we started our usual four (4) mile run. (So i was already tired before we started running together!!~!       b) On a different day, I was with a large group of runners at rhe starting line for a marathon race (26.2 miles).  

As I looked around at the other runners--- I noticed a lady who was dressed in very nice clothes.  All the articles of her clothing were detailed with colors that EXACTLY MATCHED!!  I remember thinking to myself:  "She is not a 'SERIOUS RUNNER'--- she is here just to look good."

Guess what happened!!!!!  Only a few miles after the start.....that same lady PASSED me-----and I finished the marathon so far BEHIND her---that I never saw her again!!!!!

So I welcome your prayers that I will keep my heart Humbled, bowed down before our LORD GOD, and confess HE IS WORTHY to be PRAISED and "...keep my thoughts captive to the obedience of JESUS CHRIST!!! (2 Corinthians 10:5).

JESUS SAYS: "...learn from ME, for I AM meek (gentle) and lowly in heart..." (Matthew 11:29).

(James 4:10) "Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and HE will lift you up." 

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the Glory of the LORD, are being transformed into the same image, just as by the SPIRIT of the LORD." (2 Corinthians 3: 18).

HOLY GOD demonstrated HIS perfect love by sending JESUS to the Cross to save us from our sins.  By HIS Perfect love HE has crafted HIS perfect plan for EACH and EVERY one of us. (Jeremiah 29:11).

"Now thanks be to GOD WHO always leads us in triumph in JESUS CHRIST...". (2 Corinthians 2:14).

JESUS says: "...HE, the Spirit of Truth, will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13).

  

 

"THE LAMB........THE DOOR"

"And THE WORD became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld HIS GLORY, as of the only begotten of the FATHER, full of Grace and Truth. " (John 1:14-16).

"And of HIS fullness we have all received, and Grace for Grace.

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through JESUS CHRIST." 

[From the footnote of John 1:16---                                                          The fact that John states that GRACE comes from HIS FULLNESS teaches us that Grace is MORE than GOD'S disposition or impersonal favor. It is GOD  meeting us at our point of need in the Person of JESUS CHRIST, including all HIS Power and provision.

"No one has seen GOD at any time  The ONLY Begotten SON WHO is in the bosom of the FATHER,  HE has declared HIM." (John 1:18).

"The next day John saw JESUS coming toward him and said, 'Behold! The LAMB OF GOD WHO takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29).

In John 10:7-9, we can hear JESUS speaking to us:  Then JESUS says to us---"Most assuredly, I say to you, I AM the Door of the sheep.  I AM the door.  If anyone enters by ME, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

[Footnote for John 10:7-9---entering the sheepfold through JESUS is a saving action and provides (us) the sheep with abundant life and provision.  * To go in and out does NOT mean that one can vacillate about being in Christ one moment and outside of HIM the next.  The picture is one of security and safety in JESUS as the Door to the sheep's daily comings and goings."

The doorway was of great importance in Hebrew tradition and thought; much more so than in our culture today.  It was against the background of the Hebrew respect for 'the door' that JESUS made this assertion repeatedly - 'I AM THE DOOR'"

Early in her history as a nation, Israel had been enslaved by the Egyptians.  For hundreds of years they were driven by their taskmasters to work in slime pits in the hot sun making bricks with which to build great cities for their enemies.  In desperation they cried out to GOD for deliverance.

The final act of GOD freeing them...had to do with the Door of each man's home!  A spotless  Passover lamb was to be slaughtered for each household.  The blood of each lamb was to be liberally sprinkled on the lintel over the door and on the doorposts.  (Picture this in your Mind and Heart: Draw a line down from the blood Over the door...down to the floor where the blood would have dripped.  Then draw a line from the blood on one of the doorposts across to the blood on the other door post---These two lines form a CROSS---like the one on which JESUS died to SAVE US from OUR SINS!!!

In John 14:1-6 we hear JESUS' conversation with Thomas (and with Us):  "Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in GOD, believe also in ME.  In MY FATHER'S House are many dwellings; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  I will come again and receive you to MYSELF, that where I AM, there you may be also."

"And where I go you know, and the way you know.  Thomas said to HIM, 'LORD, we do not know where YOU are going, and how can we know the way?' "

"JESUS said to him, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the life.  No one comes to the FATHER except through ME."

How then should we live before HIM.....we shall bow our hearts before HIM---submitting to HIM, that HE will live THROUGH us--- so that others will be "Eyewitnesses of HIS MAJESTY" in and through our lives. (2 Peter 1:16).

(For many more blessings/treasures/understanding...Please read "The Shepherd Trilogy" by Phillip Keller).

(JESUS Speaking):                                                                                                                                                                                                       "It is the Spirit Who gives life; the flesh profits nothing,  The WORDS that I speak to you are Spirit and they are Life."                     (John 6:63). 

***"THANKS........or APPRECIATE...???

HOLY GOD OUR FATHER "APPRECIATES" EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!!!!!!!!

Sitting in the "Visitation Room" of a Funeral Home.....with the Family of a deceased Sister-in JESUS...Reminiscing about the Faithfulness of GOD in, and through the life of our dear Sister. My wife Mary and I were sitting beside a young lady (whom we had never before met).

That young lady was sharing with us about how The HOLY SPIRIT was working in and through her life.  Her sharing was very Inspirational.

She was saying that she "appreciated the example left by her aunt; and she "appreciated" the privilege of sharing with us.

As Mary and I listened, and talked with her, the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance, and guided us into the truth (John 14:26 and John 16:13)...that there are two (2) definitions of the word "appreciate":     1) "to recognize the quality and significance of..."; and (2) - "to increase in value".  So, as we shared with each other, the Holy Spirit  guided and enabled us to (a) "recognize the quality" of the LORD within each other; and (b) "increasing the value" of each other by the Truth of GOD'S WORD!!!

So, what does God's Word say about the conversation that we were having with that young lady?

"Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of Mercies and GOD of all comfort...HE consoles and encourages us in our every trouble, that we may be able to comfort and encourage THOSE who are in any tribulations --- with the comfort and encouragement which we have received from GOD."  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

"But encourage one another daily, while it is called 'Today'... (Hebrews 3:13).

"Let us hold fast the confession of our Hope without wavering, for HE WHO *** Promised **** is 'Faithful to HIS Word and to HIS Righteous Character..." (Hebrews 10:23/2 Timothy 2:13).

"For thus says the LORD: I will extend peace to her/him like a river...as one whom his Mother comforts, so I will comfort you...".      (Isaiah 66:12-13).

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ...encouraging one another, and...So  Much...More............................ AS........YOU...SEE.....The DAY... APPROACHING." (Hebrews 10:25).

(JESUS Speaking) "...'Surely I AM coming quickly'--- "the grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. AMEN."  (Revelation 22: 20-21).                              

S0 THANKFUL - GOD does NOT--------(and) GOD DOES!!!!!!!!

                           10 -17 - 23   [MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE]:                         Recently, my wife Mary was in the Hospital for some medical treatment, so I slept at home (alone) for the night that she was in the hospital.  The following morning when I woke up (alone).....I began to have a Greatly Increased Appreciation for the WONDERFUL, POWERFUL TRUTH that GOD HIMSELF does NOT CHANGE!!!!!!!

"I AM THE LORD, I DO NOT CHANGE."   (Malachi 3:6)

"JESUS CHRIST IS THE **** SAME **** YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER."  (HEBREWS 13: 8).

**** JESUS SPEAKS:  "...I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS"... (Matthew 28:20).

GOD loves YOU and me so MUCH that HE Chose us as HIS IN JESUS BEFORE we were born. (Ephesians 1 : 1-6).                              

HE put us together in our Mother's Womb. (Psalm 139:15).

HE wrote down our every day before the day of our birth.  (Psalm 139:16).

IN HIS PERFECT TIMING --- HE sent HIS ONLY SON JESUS to die on the cross to:                                                                                           a) save us from our sins,                                                                           b) to become the LIVING WORD,                                                           c) and to Be THE WAY to GOD IN HEAVEN. (John 14:6).

Because GOD does NOT change --- HE loves you and me the SAME every minute---as HE did when HIS SON JESUS was dying on the cross to save us from our sins!!!

I remember a specific time when I was a young man - (I am now age 78) - the church in which I worshiped...both the Worship and the preaching of His Word was so powerful and profound --- On a certain Sunday Morning --- I looked around the Sanctuary...noticing many young children, and infants --- (Silently in my heart) I said "LORD, I wish that I had grown up in a church like this!!!"

So Graciously, GOD our FATHER..over the next few days gave to me Understanding (Proverbs 8:14) that HE "gave me what I would need for the life that HE had planned for me".  (Jeremiah 29:11). 

In this (later) part of my life - several times per week, I experience something that CONFIRMS for me the Truth that "He gave to me what I needed for the life that HE had planned for me"...

My wife Mary and I both grew up in churches where we sang many of the old Classic Hymns in worship. (Now), quite often as we get dressed and begin our day --- one or both of us will be singing or "humming" one of those old Classic Hymns!!!

Those songs are Very Biblical - so we both are inspired and encouraged, and our faith is strengthened by singing those songs!!!      PLUS, it brings back Wonderful, Sweet memories of singing those songs with our families and friends!!!

Now, the fulfillment of the second part of the title ("GOD DOES...")...

HOLY GOD our FATHER is Able, Willing, Purposeful, and Intentional in changing US!!!!!

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of The LORD, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the LORD." (2 Corinthians 3:18).

"...being confident of this very thing, that HE WHO has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of JESUS CHRIST. (Philippians 1:6).

So - GOD is Infinitely Creative...But HIS Righteous Character/His heart toward us NEVER CHANGES.  And HE will complete the work which he has begun in us.

OH LORD GOD, How do we submit to YOU and to YOUR plans for us?                                                                                                            ***"...The HOLY SPIRIT will guide us into all truth..." (John 16:13)******                                                                                           Study HIS Word.                                                                                     Share HIS Word.                                                                                       Share HIS Love.

"What a Friend we have in JESUS, all our sins and griefs to bear...        What a Privilege to carry everything to GOD in prayer..."   

"Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave..."

" 'Tis so sweet to trust in JESUS,                                                               and to take Him at His Word...                                                                 Just to rest upon His promise,                                                                   And to know, 'Thus says the LORD..."

AMEN - Let it be so in our hearts, in our words, through our actions.