Why?

There are exceptions to this, but there are many people who are not interested in a given subject if they see no use for it in "real" life.

One way people express this is, "When am I ever going to need to know this?" Or, "When am I ever going to use this?"

I've been there - in my junior year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute taking Advanced Calculus, which is beyond third semester Calculus. And, in fact, as far as I know, I have never used anything in this subject in the 55 years since I took it.

I believe many people view the Bible in the same way, saying, "When am I ever going to need to know this?"

Another way the Bible is disregarded is, "I already know all I need to know about it!" And, therefore, I can ignore it. My grandmother said that was how my grandfather felt about the Bible, and he was a preacher's kid. Alas. (But maybe she was wrong about him.)

Why should I read the Bible?

Well, OK, what use is it to read the Bible? This: that the Lord God reveals Himself either little by little or very profoundly as we read the Bible. This is NOT an academic exercise! (Anyone agree here?) Oh, OK, except for students in religious schools.

Knowing that the Lord God reveals Himself in the reading, the enemy of your soul wants to distract you from this effort, and He's very good at it. I know, I get distracted a lot.

Where to start? How to proceed? Ask the Lord to help, and maybe ask a friend to help, too. I will say this; start by reading about Jesus in the first four books of the New Testament, called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Yes, there will be many references to parts of the Old Testament there that either you'll just have to pass over or else write down as a question for someone else, but these books still reveal Jesus as the great Lover of all. They reveal what He was like, and that reveals what Father God is like, since Jesus on earth was the exact image of His Father in every respect.

You will also benefit from reading the Psalms. But my advice is to start with the books about Jesus. Of course, you can read whatever part you want to, and I trust that eventually you will read it all.

Larry Carroll
=================================
P.S.
Now let me go off on a tangent. How else does the Lord Jesus reveal Himself to us? Well, the Bible is the baseline, but there are four ways listed in John chapter 5. They all must agree, or at least not disagree.

Here in John chapter 5, Jesus is telling a crowd who or what reveals Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

1. First, at that time there was John the Baptist. John's purpose in life was to reveal Jesus as the Son of God to the crowds. We have people in our lives that fulfill that same role, revealing Jesus as Lord. So, look for these people!

2. Second, Jesus said the works that He does reveal who He is, which is still true today. So, watch! See what He is doing! And find out what He has done over the centuries.

3. Third, Jesus said God the Father also reveals who Jesus is, speaking directly to our spirit, that is, to our inner being. So with this, you just know something. How do you know? You just know. But it has to agree with the Bible, which is also known as the Word of God. So, listen to the voice within! It should give you peace. If it does not, then ask if it does or does not agree with Scripture. And talk about it to a friend.

4. Fourth, the Bible, also known as the Scriptures, reveals Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. So, read it! Start here!

There is a passage in Scripture which says, "And you will seek Me, and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." (Jeremiah 29 verses 13 and 14.) You will find Him, because He wants you to find Him. He is for you! He wants to relate to you in a good way!

His name is Jesus, or Yeshua, in Hebrew.

Hallelujah!

We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight.

II Corinthians 5 verse 7
We walk by faith, not by sight.

We should walk by faith in what the Lord God says, not by our circumstances.  Our circumstances are true, but what the Lord God is saying is "more true".  Yes, what He says is overriding truth, the ultimate truth.

Now here is an example where Peter walked by faith, and not by sight.
Perhaps you have heard someone say, "Do you know anyone other than Jesus that has walked on water?"  This is a well meaning attempt to point out the uniqueness of Jesus and differentiate Him from everyone else.  And, yes, He is unique.  He is (still) fully God and fully Man.

However, to that question, I would have to answer, "Well, yes, I do know someone else.  Peter the apostle walked on water, according to Matthew 14 verse 29."

"Well, he attempted to walk on water."  No, he succeeded in walking on water because he heard Jesus say "Come", as verse 29 says.  And hearing Jesus say something makes all the difference.

Here is Matthew 14 verses 28-30:
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”  (And Jesus did save him.)

OK, so Peter really did walk on water.  But understand this - he did it at the command of Jesus, even though Peter requested the command. (In this case it seems like Jesus' command was much like an authorization to proceed.)

Jesus' commands enable us.  His commands are good, and First John 5 verse 3 says that they are not burdensome or grievous.  And Jesus' commands are sometimes (often?) the doorway to new adventures.  So, listen!

This is a profound lesson for us today.  (No, not that anyone should attempt to copy Peter on the water.)

What we have here is:
1. Jesus commanded Peter to come (after Peter requested it.)
2. Peter succeeded in walking on water - only as he kept his eyes on Jesus (faith), and not on the waves (his circumstances).  But when his attention turned to the waves (his circumstances), he slipped away.

We can rejoice with Peter that Jesus then saved him from his circumstances.  And that was good, but only second best, don't you think?

The lesson here is this: I must only act either on what I have truly heard the Lord tell me, or on what are clear principles in scripture since this is also what the Lord God is telling us.  And when I hear it, I should go for it!

So, walk by faith.  It's exciting!  The enemy will try to use circumstances to distract us from fixing our eyes on Jesus.  But you can defeat the enemy by keeping your eyes on the LORD, on Jesus.

Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

Thanksgiving 2018

Thanksgiving 2018

First Corinthians chapter 4 verse 7 says in part, "And what do you have that you did not receive?"

Well, I'll tell you the answer to that question. NOTHING! There isn't anything you have that you did not receive!

So - what can I, what should I, give thanks to my Father in Heaven for? EVERYTHING GOOD!

I'm trying to wrap my mind, my head, my thoughts, around this, but I know it's just too much to grasp.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

No flesh should glory in His presence

From First Corinthians chapter 1:

 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,

29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.

No flesh shall, or will, or can, glory or boast in His presence!

And that flesh includes me (and you).

And I want to live in His presence!  NOW!  Here and now!  Why?  Because in His presence is fullness of joy! (as it says in Psalm 16 verse 11)  I believe it.

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded.  Romans chapter 3 verse 27 says so, and it is so obvious.

But hey, First Corinthians chapter 4 verse 7 addresses this in this way:

Contemporary English Version
What is so special about you?  What do you have that you were not given?  And if it was given to you, how can you brag? 

Good News Translation
Who made you superior to others?  Didn't God give you everything you have?  Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift? 

OK, I understand.  Nothing I have is intrinsically or inherently mine.  How can I boast?  I can't.  Oh, but my flesh wants to.  Alas!  What to do?  OK, I know - as this song says:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do it.

Jesus Christ is Lord of all!  Really!

Here, It's The Opposite

When people learn to drive a car or fly an airplane, the goal is to be licensed to drive or fly alone.  It implies freedom.

Not so in the Spirit.  Here, it's the opposite.  Here, we start out driving alone and need to learn to become merely a passenger (who can sit up in the front seat).

Why?  Because it's A LOT better to let the Holy Spirit (i.e. God, or the Spirit of Jesus Christ) drive!
1. He knows where He's going and,
2. It's so wonderfully satisfying to be in His presence!

“In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:8).

YES!

Larry Carroll

Psalm 150:6

Psalm 150 verse 6 says, Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

Well, I have breath, so ..., "HALLELUJAH!!"

And you have breath, so ... ?

Write It Down

OK, what?

Well, there's the daily or weekly To Do list.  Many people have such a list.  This is good.

And there are names of people who we are meeting for the first time.  Names are important since people really like it if they see we remember their names.  But the names must be stored away for reference, rather than lost on a piece of scrap paper.

And for some of us, it helps to write down requests that loved ones have given us.  For example, I arise in the morning earlier than Helen does.  She has requested that I open the bedroom window shade (there are still curtains there) such that the light will enable her to get up.  I have written this down and it is prominently displayed on my dresser.

In the past, I have encouraged people to write down thoughts in a journal.  But now I am expanding on this idea.  This may be because I'm at a place where I need to write down more and more essentials.

A journal is not the same as a diary.  In a diary, we document our daily events.  In a journal, we write down insights and thoughts that the LORD gives to us, and the evident blessings that the LORD does for us -  in short, what He says and what He does.  And this is most important, since we forget - ah, but vaguely remember that the LORD told us something a half hour ago.  (But what was it?  It was really good!  Oh gosh!)  And it is lost.  (Or is this just me?)

Or, the LORD comes through and saves us big time.  It is quite evident that the LORD intervened here.  Have you then heard someone say, "Oh, I'll NEVER forget this!"  Yeah, well maybe.  But we can forget important details.  Anyway, these events have the potential to become testimonies to the grace and mercy of the LORD for you to share with others.  But more importantly, they are for you to remember as a testimony and to share with yourself the next time you find yourself in a tough place.

This is so very important.

Blessings!

Larry Carroll

BUT

BUT

Here are two statements:
1. It is written, and the LORD has said (something).
2. This is what I see.

If these two statements disagree, (which happens sometimes), which one comes before the word  BUT, and which one comes after the word  BUT?

Is it:
It is written, and the LORD has said (something),  BUT  this is what I see.

Or is it:
This is what I see,  BUT  it is written, and the LORD has said (something else).

OK, understand this: what comes after the BUT is more true to the speaker/writer than what comes before the BUT.

Well, what would it be if Helen had said something and circumstances disagreed?  I would choose to believe my wife of nearly 53 years, because I know her, and she will never lie to me.
Therefore, it is:  This is what I see,  BUT  Helen has said something else.  I choose to believe Helen.

The same is true for Father God, the LORD.  He will never lie to me.  So therefore, for me:
This is what I see,  BUT  It is written, and the LORD has said something else.
I choose to believe Father God.  BTW, this is how Jesus handled temptation in Matthew chapter 4.

So we all get to choose what to believe as really true, and what to dismiss as less true.

Larry Carroll

Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22-23  Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

Yes, they are!  In fact, God's mercies are new continually, too, every morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and night!

This means God’s mercies are new right now!  Right now!

What grace!  I love You, LORD, and I never want to abuse such great grace!

Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

Worship

David danced before the LORD with all his might. He worshiped! His wife despised him for this embarrassing foolishness.  She ended up childless.

So - don't despise or mock someone else's way of worshiping the LORD, since it seems either lifeless or crazy or foolish; God looks at the heart, right?  Or if you have, repent, for you may end up with no "fruit", dry as dust, with nothing to cast at His feet in that Day.  Yes, really.  Don't compare yourself to anyone else and don't compare anyone else to you!

Second Samuel 6:14-23

Larry Carroll

The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

In the Bible, chapter three in the book of Amos starts with several questions that have unstated, but obvious, answers.

It gets to verse eight and says:

A lion has roared!
Who will not fear?  (A very natural reaction, with yet another obvious answer)
The Lord God has spoken!
Who can but prophesy?  (Apparently, in the context of this chapter, a very natural response with an obvious answer)

So, if you hear the voice of the Lord God, guess what you will do.  It will be a very natural response, and it's obvious.

Oh, but you say, "Not me."  Well, we'll see.

In Joel chapter two, verse 28 it says:

“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.

"on all flesh" includes you, doesn't it?

Don't be afraid.  Really, this is exciting!

Larry Carroll

Small Kindnesses And Small Beginnings

Your small kindnesses can yield big dividends.  And small beginnings can lead to important developments.  The Lord Jesus encouraged us to serve others, even in little ways, as it says here in Matthew 10:42  "And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."

Does the LORD also work in small ways, too?  Yes.  Well, does He *always* start small, raising leaders from obscurity?  Well, I don't know.  I know He can do whatever He wants to, and is not restricted by any rules or patterns we might think.  However, here are some examples from scripture and nature where the LORD started, or starts, small.

The natural example of all this is the seed, any seed, from grain or from the apple tree or an oak tree or any tree or the human body or any body.

He chose Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was a simple girl from the small town of Nazareth, and "everyone" at that time knew that nothing good could come from Nazareth.

Jesus, was born in a stable or cave or whatever it was, but it was not a palace, for sure.  And just think, He is the King of kings.

Joseph, first was a despised brother, then was a servant, then was a prisoner in Egypt, then became the effective leader of Egypt.

Gideon, from the smallest family of Manasseh, defeated the 132,000 Midianites with 300 men and no swords.

David, was a shepherd and was the youngest of his brothers, who wasn't even considered originally by his dad as a candidate for the kingly anointing from Samuel.

Daniel, was a slave in Babylon, then became number two in Babylon and also in Persia.

Queen Esther was in the Persian Empire, and saved her people from annihilation.

Jesus fed the 5000 and the 4000 from almost nothing - with leftovers remaining even!

Zechariah 4:10 says "For who has despised the day of small things?"  (Don't.)

Isaiah 61:3 says He gives us beauty for ashes.

Mark 4:30-32 says the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, but it becomes greater than all herbs.

Isaiah 54:1 says For more are the children of the desolate/barren than the children of the married.

Psalm 118:22 says The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

Now here is a blockbuster section of scripture that really puts us in our place.  But just remember as you read this, He loves you.

I Corinthians 1:25-29
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.

No flesh will glory in His presence.  No flesh can glory in His presence!  Pride has no place in His presence!  And I really want to be in His presence.  And you do, too, I trust.

Paul the Apostle learned this truth in spades and expressed it this way:
II Corinthians 12:9 says  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Your small (to the point of being almost nothing) kindnesses can (dare I say will) yield big dividends, even if you never see these dividends - while in His presence.

Hallelujah!

Larry

Acceptable In God's Sight

How orthodox must one be to be found acceptable in God's sight, with his/her name written in The Book?  This is religion.

I'm not talking about behavior, I'm talking about doctrinal beliefs.  This is definitely religion.

Jeremiah 29 verse 13 says "... you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."  Verse 14 adds "I will be found by you..."

So we see here that acceptance is not based on "correct doctrine" a.k.a. head knowledge, it is based on a searching heart, which we usually see as a soft heart and/or an open heart - at least deep down, even if there is a hard shell over it.  The Lord God can do something with an open heart.

To such a person I counsel you to seek the LORD and search the Scriptures.  Don't be in a big hurry to get "the final answer", since you will find this to be a lifestyle rather than a project.

In the gospels (the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) you will find out what a wonderful Man Jesus was while on earth.  He is the same now, and you will fall in love with Him.  This becomes a relationship with Him.

And concerning doctrine, John 16 verse 13 says He will guide you into all truth.  And I will add that this process, (guiding us into all truth), will take our whole lifetimes.  We never stop learning and He never stops drawing us, if we are open to Him.

His name is Jesus.

Larry Carroll

Don't Compare

Recently, Pastor Don James of Bethany Church in Wyckoff, NJ shared a message he called "The Curse Of Comparisons."

http://www.bethanychurch.tv/video/counter-culture-part-1

Basically, DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS.

Where comparison begins, contentment ends.
Second Corinthians 10 verse 12 We don't dare to compare ourselves... It's a trap.

Comparing makes us feel either superior or inferior, and neither one honors God. Then we get either arrogant or jealous.

Why does this happen? Where does this come from? From the culture we live in and the god of this culture. He wants to steal our joy.

This was so good for me to hear, and hear again. It is so good for me to be reminded not to compare myself with ANYONE. Being reminded at those times when I'm starting to compare myself to someone saves me from a lot of grief.

Remember this: The Lord God has a unique path for each of us to walk.  It is totally inappropriate to compare myself to anyone else since each person has a unique path to walk in this life.  Instead, I will keep my eyes, and you keep your eyes, on the LORD.  (Yes, I know you probably don't live in a monastery or convent.  But learn to do it.)

And I'm going to add this: (especially if I'm comparing my life to what might have been "if only." If only I made better choices in the past.) Don't go there.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Who and What I am For

Who and What I am For
Who and What I Like, and am Thankful For

Here is a list of people and things I appreciate (in alphabetical order):

Achievements or Accomplishments: enable us to feel temporarily Significant, but see Significance below.

Adventure: We need Adventure, but keep in mind that implied in Adventure is some amount of Risk.

Affirming and Encouraging Words: which build Hope in us.

Authority: is used to Build up People in the Community, especially the delegated Authority that Jesus Christ gives to us over all the power of Satan and his minions, through the name above all names, Jesus/Yeshua, as written in Luke 10 verse 19.

Babies: are Gifts from God.

Beauty: implies cleanliness, grace, and wholesomeness and God's hand in it in some way.

the Bible:  The Bible is magnificent.  It is the primary way the Lord God speaks to us.  It is inspired and inspiring, in spite of the insignificant contradictions!  Yes, I see them.  The Bible is a blessing to humankind.

Children: are more Gifts from God.

Cleanliness: also Clean Air, Clean Food, Clean Water, (Yes, Clean Clothes, too, thank you, Helen.)

Community: is a group of People that gives me a sense of Belonging.  We need to belong.

Concern for Others: is essential to escape self-centeredness, see Service below.

Equality: For there is no respect of persons with God.  He does not show favoritism.  "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus/Yeshua Hamashiach."  Galatians 3 verse 28

Faith or Faithfulness: is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

Family: is a group of People that the Lord God hopefully built that gives me a sense of Belonging.  We need to belong.

Forgiveness: This is really important.  Without it, we eventually become bitter and complaining.  It is so necessary.

Freedom: President FDR mentioned four freedoms in 1941  - of speech, of worship, from want, from fear.  But there is so much more.  "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." Galatians 5 verse 13

Friends and Acquaintances: may or may not be a part of one of my communities, but are important to me either way.

Fruit: The first type is the fruit that we can eat, and that grows in my yard (apples, blueberries, gooseberries, black raspberries).  The second type is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the result of His indwelling presence - love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self control).

Fun: It's good Medicine, according to Proverbs 17 verse 22, like Humor below.

Generosity: is much better than minimal Giving.  There is Joy in this kind of Giving.  Freely Give.  And you don't need a tax receipt to be generous, if you see a need.  But check with your spouse first.

Gentleness: is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

Gifts: The first type are the gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other special days.  The second type are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, ability to give, leadership, mercy, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, the working of miracles, prophecy, spiritual discernment, supernatural languages (so useful and important), the interpretation of those languages, (if needed).

Goodness: is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

the Gospel of Jesus/Yeshua: is truly Good News.

Grace: is elegance or beauty in our actions and, if it is real, is evident especially in tough times.

Health: of Body, Soul, and Spirit

Helen: is my Wife of 52 years.

Holiness: implies Purity, Grace, Godliness, Righteousness, Spirituality, Peace, and being led or guided by the Holy Spirit.  It does not imply boredom, unhappiness, or sadness.

Hope: Without Hope we give up and die.  But we have reason to Hope for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13 verse 5.

Hospitality: is a form of Grace, at My House, or at Your House.

Humor: It's good Medicine, according to Proverbs 17 verse 22, like Fun above.

Jesus/Yeshua: He is the foundation of all Goodness, the One Who was and is (still) fully God and fully Man, the One Who loves me the most, Who paid for my Holiness with His death, and Who, by the way, created the universe.

Joy: Joy is Peace dancing, (F.B.Meyer), and is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

my Kids: They love me.

Life: especially Human Life

Light: especially Daylight, and Eyes to see

Music: see Sounds below

Neighbors: are not necessarily my Community these days, but are important nevertheless.

Openness: is Information readily available, and a willingness to share it.

Patience: is a gift from God, and is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

Peace: Peace is Joy resting, (F.B.Meyer), and is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

Pets: They truly bring great comfort to many people.

Politeness: starts with "Please and Thank you".

Quality Time with Others: is not just time with others.

Self Control: is a manifestation of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit within me.

Service: is not necessarily service to me or for me, but a chance for me to serve Others.  This is my chance to lay down my life for another, so that I don't get isolated and self-centered or self-absorbed.

Sex: is truly a gift from Father God.

Significance: is more than just being Accomplished, but Loved by someone and best of all, Loved by Father God.  Yes, we are significant.

Sound: especially peaceful and joyful sound, including peaceful and joyful music, and Ears to hear

Trust: is reliance on another and it must be earned.  The world of commerce is built on trust.  In fact, our lives, as we interact with others, are built on trust, too.

Truth/Honesty: is there even when it costs, as in Psalm 15 verse 4 "If they make a promise to their neighbor, they do what they promised."  from the Easy to Read Version,  or, "who swears to his own hurt and does not change" from the ESV

Wholesome and Loving Touch: I believe we all need this kind of touch.  Hugs, especially.

Wholesomeness

Worship: is the ability to Adore and express Adoration, which is how we are made. Worship of the Father, the Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit will last, since They will last.  Anything or anyone else that is worshiped will fail us in the long run.  Anything or anyone else that is worshiped is called an idol.

You!:  I am for You, dear reader.

One needs a relationship with Jesus (ask for it) and the daily fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to love others and to live a life as described above.  Ask for it.

I am a Follower of Jesus, a Believer, a Christian.

Larry Carroll

He is Near

The LORD is near, He is present, He is approachable, He is lovely and beautiful, He is a joy to be with, He urges us to seek Him, and He loves each one of us.

OK, it is true that the Lord God is the Almighty Creator, as it is implied in Psalm 8:3,4
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?

And it is true that the Lord God is majestic and glorious, as it says in Isaiah 6:1-4
 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
“ Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; 
The whole earth is full of His glory!” 
4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.

And it is true that He was previously unapproachable as is described in Exodus 19:12
12 You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 


NEVERTHELESS, the focus here is on the fact that He is near, He is present, He is approachable, He is lovely and beautiful, He is a joy to be with, He urges us to seek Him, and He loves each one of us.  And His name is Jesus Christ.

We don't want to ignore the need for holiness or change while we focus on His presence.  Rather, I will argue that one can't come into His presence without being changed in the process, and one can't be changed (become holy) without coming into His presence.  The end result for us is that we are being conformed to His image.
I John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

So here are some scripture references that express this perspective or this focus.  ..............................................

Psalm 16:11 
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness 
For His name’s sake. 

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; 
For You are with me; 
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; 
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; 
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
Forever.

Psalm 27:4
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek: 
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, 
To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.

Psalm 27:8
8 When You said, “Seek My face,”
My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

Psalm 34:6-10
6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them. 
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

Psalm 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me, 
And heard my cry.
2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay, 
And set my feet upon a rock, 
And established my steps.
3 He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God; 
Many will see it and fear, 
And will trust in the LORD

Psalm 46:1,2
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed, 
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 63:1
1 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You; 
My soul thirsts for You; 
My flesh longs for You 
In a dry and thirsty land 
Where there is no water.

Psalm 84:10
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God 
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Psalm 91 The whole psalm

Psalm 95:1,2
1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Psalm 95:6,7
6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture, 
And the sheep of His hand.

Psalm 100:4,5
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise. 
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting, 
And His truth endures to all generations

Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s

Psalm 103:13,14
13 As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust. 

Psalm 123:1,2
1 Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, 
So our eyes look to the LORD our God, 
Until He has mercy on us.

Song of Solomon 1:2,3
2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— 
For your love is better than wine. 
3 Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, 
Your name is ointment poured forth; 
Therefore the virgins love you.

Song of Solomon 2:4,5
4 He brought me to the banqueting house, 
And his banner over me was love. 
5 Sustain me with cakes of raisins, 
Refresh me with apples, 
For I am lovesick.

Song of Solomon 2:10-13
10 My beloved spoke, and said to me: 
“ Rise up, my love, my fair one, 
And come away. 
11 For lo, the winter is past, 
The rain is over and gone. 
12 The flowers appear on the earth; 
The time of singing has come, 
And the voice of the turtledove 
Is heard in our land. 
13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs, 
And the vines with the tender grapes 
Give a good smell. 
Rise up, my love, my fair one, 
And come away! 

Isaiah 55:6 
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Matthew 6:6
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:9-13
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: 
Our Father in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name. 
10 Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done 
On earth as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, 
As we forgive our debtors. 
13 And do not lead us into temptation, 
But deliver us from the evil one. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Matthew 14:25-27 
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

(Jesus as He is now:)
Matthew 18:19,20
19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

(Jesus as He is now:)
Mark 11:20-24
20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”  22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

(Jesus as He is now:)
Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 15 - The lost and found chapter with three lost and found parables - especially the parable of the Lost Son

(Jesus as He is now:)
John 14:12-14
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

(Jesus as He is now:)
John 15:14,15
14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

(Jesus as He is now:)
John 16:23,24
23 And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Romans 8:14-17
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

(Jesus as He is now:)
Philippians 4:6,7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

(Jesus as He is now:)
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:19-22
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 13:5,6
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:  “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?”

James 4:7,8
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

(Jesus as He is now:)
I John 5:14,15
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

(Jesus as He is now:)
Revelations 1:12-17
12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

And He loves each one of us.

All scripture above is from NKJV
Larry Carroll

Advice To The Bride And Groom

Helen and I recently attended our granddaughter's wedding. During the reception, there was the dance (a waltz) where all of the married couples got out on the floor and little by little were ushered off until just the longest married couple remained, and we were "it". (52 years in September) So, the MC gave me the microphone and asked us to give the newly married couple some advice.
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Here it is, short and sweet:
1. Forgive each other.
2. Lay down your lives for each other.
3. Give each other a big kiss at the end of the day.
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There wasn't time for anymore than that. But there is so much more to say, isn't there?!
So I'd like to address and expand just the first two points above.
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Marriage is the sacred, God ordained union of two imperfect people. The imperfections will cause hurts. So:
1. Forgive each other. This is so necessary.  Without it, we become bitter and complaining.
Also, since our marriages reflect the union of Jesus Christ and His bride:
2. Lay down your lives for each other. This also is so necessary.  Without it, we become isolated and self-centered.

However, we will eventually find out these are both humanly impossible. If we are aware of our need for help before things get too rough, good. Else, the enemy will start suggesting thoughts, such as, "Hey this isn't fair. I'm doing all of the forgiving," which is NOT true. Or, "I'm not happy," which probably is true.
What we need to do is to cry out to the LORD to fill each of us daily with the Spirit of God and enable both of us to do the impossible, which in this case is:
1. Forgive each other.
2. Lay down our lives for each other.
And don't wait for your spouse to go first! You pray!
The good new here is that the Lord God is eager to step in and deliver struggling marriages, if requested.
Helen and I have been there.
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OK, some of you will ask, "Well, how come He didn't save my marriage?" I'm sorry that He didn't, and I know it was extremely painful, but I have no answer for you. Sorry.
There is so much more to say, isn't there?!!!!

Larry Carroll

Details

The LORD truly is aware of everything in us, everything happening to us, and everything that could happen to us.

And He loves us.  Make that personal; He loves you.

One fairly well known portion of scripture that illustrates His awareness of all the details of our lives is Matthew 10:29,31:
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

All of Psalm 139 shows this, too, but Psalm 139:17,18 makes it very clear:
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

Therefore, when we are in trouble, and the enemy whispers to us that we are on our own, that there is no one here to help us now, recall this truth; the LORD will never leave you nor forsake you.  He knows how to save you, and will save you from your present distress.

Jesus saves!  He still does!  Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll

Jesus Is Altogether Lovely

Yes, people often come to Jesus because they have a need He can fulfill.

But then, some get close and see His beauty, His glory, and the beauty of His holiness, experience His love, and discover He is altogether lovely.

Oh yes, He is altogether lovely. Really. And so, we fall in love with Him. Jesus. Hallelujah!

Exodus 34:6, Psalm 103:3

What is God like?  Well, look at Jesus and you will see what God is like.  He is the exact representation of the Father.

However, even in the Old Testament, we get a clear picture of what God is like, which agrees with what we see in Jesus.

Exodus 34:6,

In the King James Bible this verse says:
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

And in the New Living Translation it says:
The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

So we see the wonderful gracious nature of the LORD here in the Old Testament.  The Lord God is good, only good.

Now in Psalm 103:3, we read how far reaching this goodness is.  It is all inclusive.

In the King James Bible this verse says:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;

And in the New Living Translation it says:
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

Now let me stretch you a bit.
"all" mean "all", right?  OK, let's be consistent here.
If He forgives all my iniquities, then He heals all my diseases.
If He doesn't heal all my diseases, then He doesn't forgive all my iniquities.

Well, I'm believing that the Bible is true, and therefore, He forgives all my iniquities, and He heals all my diseases.

Which is more important?  Well, they are both very wonderful promises, but forgiving all my iniquities is vastly more important than any other promise.

Hey, ask Him to forgive you; and ask Him to heal you, too.

Larry Carroll

I love the LORD, the Lord God.

Why?

Well, of course because He first loved me.

But also because He is lovely, altogether lovely.

Larry Carroll

Rejected And Forsaken

Rejected and Forsaken

We have examples in the scripture where people feel, and truly are, rejected or persecuted, yet can find comfort in their relationship with the Lord God, even though their world is caving in.

1. Psalm 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.

Father and mother are the last ones on earth that would ever forsake a person, in a normal functional family.  This is an extreme case of rejection.

2. Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;

This describes total disaster - nothing left at all.  Yet will I rejoice in the Lord.

3. Acts 16:16-28
Paul and Silas were falsely accused of making trouble in Philippi.  They were then beaten, resulting in bloody stripes and locked up in an inner prison (which we would call a dungeon).
So we have here two who were severely abused both in the court of public opinion and bodily.

However, the story goes on:
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”

We have here an illustration of two men that knew and demonstrated that they still had access to the throne of grace, to the presence of the LORD God, no matter what the circumstance was.

---
So no matter what the circumstances, whether they be relational distress or loss, bodily harm, or even total disaster, we still have our connection to Father God.  We can still enter into His presence, into the Holy of Holies, and rejoice in Father's love, grace, and mercy for us.

We are blessed beyond measure.

But on the cross, Jesus could not do this.  As it says in Psalm 22:1
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"  See also Matthew 27:46.  Jesus, on the cross, was cursed beyond measure.  And He did this willingly!  What love He had, and has, for us.  Amazing!

We are blessed beyond measure.  There is no place for us here to feel sorry for ourselves and enter into self pity.

Larry Carroll

All scripture referenced is NKJV.

Able To Teach

First Timothy 3:2 says:

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; (NKJV)

"Able to teach"  So how did Jesus model it?

Matthew 7:28:

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,

Mark 1:22:

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.

Luke 4:32:

and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority
Luke 24:32
Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?

(all ESV)

Well, we can see Jesus' teaching did much more than just transfer information or knowledge.  Now knowledge is good, but inspiration is... well, better.  Knowledge is a tool we need, but inspiration gives us energy.

Knowledge builds the mind, and if it is the mind of Christ, that's wonderful.  However, the mind of Christ within us depends foundationally on the inspiration we receive in our hearts.

So, I believe that in the description of a true bishop in I Timothy 3, the ability to teach includes the ability to inspire.

Larry Carroll

Looking Forward To My 50th Wedding Anniversary

It's 2015 and I'm looking forward to my 50th wedding anniversary this year, September 18th.

September 18th is also the wedding anniversary of my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Donald who were married over 70 years. They were married exactly 30 years before Helen and I were married.

Knowing this, one of my goals has been, and still is, to reach 70 years in my marriage, too, as they did. And why not?

And why not you, if you married early in life? Why not?

Larry Carroll

A Fresh Start

People value and celebrate a new year for various reasons.  One of them is, it is an opportunity for a fresh start.  Most people understand the need we have to flush out the old junk and start over again with a clean page or clean plate.

Other time periods have offered, and can still offer, similar opportunities for new beginnings.

In the Old Testament, the New Moon was a time that was celebrated for a purpose like this.

And we know the Sabbath Day provides, as a byproduct of worshiping the Lord, a refreshment to the worshiper.

However, Ecclesiastes 3:23 tells us that the mercies of the Lord God are new every morning.  Here we see that the Lord Himself restores us as we focus on Him and His presence - right here, right now.

And focusing on the Lord Jesus is a delight when He reveals His love and beauty to us.  He draws us to Himself as we see that love and beauty giving us an opportunity for a clean heart and new hope.

Hallelujah!

Larry Carroll