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My Brother's Keeper

Volume 10, Number 4, October-December, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

Growing on the WORD

 

A scripture study

 

 

The Word of God is the source of light, truth, and power, for those who seek it’s meaning and apply it to their life. Jesus Christ is the word made flesh, and we seek to follow him.

John 8:12 (NIV) - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Each issue of “My Broth­er’s Keeper” features a WORD study.  This issue’s word study is from Louis McCray, an inmate at Woodbourne Correctional, Woodbourne, New York.

 

 

Love In Our Hearts

by

Louis McCray

 

 

Leviticus 19:18 (KJV) - Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

In the scriptures of Leviticus, during the time the children of Israel were encamped at Mount Sinai, God spoke to Moses. He gave him instructions for the men He appointed as priests and spiri­tual leaders over the people.

The key concern in Leviticus was God’s holiness.  The holiness of God’s humanity back then, is still a major concern for us today.  It lets us know that He is Lord. 

Leviticus 11:45 (KJV) - For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

God wants a holy people, because He is Holy and cannot, will not, touch anything that’s unclean or evil. 

God’s breath brought us into ex­istence so that we would be filled with Him.  However, due to the self-centeredness of one man, sin was brought into the world.

Genesis 3:5-6 (KJV) - For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

He did eat, disobeying God’s one and only commandment.  So en­tered the state of mental darkness and sin, to which man had to pay a price.  Separated by sin from God, man didn’t have anything on this earth that would give him forgive­ness of his sin. But, God’s love was being expressed even then – even though man disobeyed God.  Remember that He is Holy and every thought, word, and or movement expressed by God, al­ways comes true and is for our benefit.  Why?  Because he loves us.

Though Jesus Christ (the Savior) was not born in the flesh yet, his birth was promised through the seed or offspring of the woman.

Genesis 3:15 (KJV) - And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

This verse from Genesis represents the conflict (between good and evil), which was climaxed on the cross.  The good news is that the seed of the woman (Jesus) will crush the head of the serpent-tempter.

Many people, who have not ex­perienced true unconditional love, find it very difficult to see what kind of love that is.  They can’t help but see it with their human eyes, not their spiritual eyes, which God gives us as a free gift.  He wants us to see everything through the eyes of His words.  Which is why He allowed the chain of events to take place by letting His only begotten Son Jesus Christ die for our sins.  In His risen resurrection state our sins can be forgiven, if we but believe. 

John 3:16 (KJV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God promises us eternal life, be­cause He loves us eternally.  He wants us here, right now to love one another.  Which means to me, not causing harm to anyone, any­where, and not for any reason.  It’s time to wake up out of those stages of darkness and blame.  I will not be negative or disrespect anyone.  But, too often we learn the Word and continue to mistreat each other - here in prison and upon release.  And, we do nothing to change the behavior or help stop others.  Just watch the news and see how often an ex-prisoner is re-arrested.  Then a year or so into the new sentence, his mind and love is focused back on God.  God forgives, but what are you, me, and anyone else who doesn’t love his fellow human being as himself, doing to their souls upon Judgment Day?  And, believe me my brothers and sisters, I include myself in the evilness and sinful acts we have committed against each other in the name of, we know not what.  Even though most of us believe it is for money. Been there, done that.

Love is the key to opening our hearts again to one another.  We need each other to help open the spiritual door to prayer and pray­ing for the wholeness of each other; and equally for the law en­forcement officers who are rulers over us, in and behind these walls.

Acts of love should be common and second nature today, because we all know about love, and want it.  But, first we need to learn to let go of the old, and really put the new man on.  We need to allow God to give us the gift of life with a heart that knows only the love of Christ.

In summary: When we give love to another person freely without conditions, it feels good to have them smile and say “thank you” with their heart.  It’s a chain reac­tion.  All we have to do is build upon that love and let the chain of love be Jesus Christ in us, who is the Head of the Body of Christ.

Psalm 118:21-22 (KJV) - I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Praise God, please give us strength, and keep love in our hearts. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Sharing the Good News

 

“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,
 as though God were making his appeal through us.
 We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,
 so that in him we might become the righteousness of God...”

 

II Corinthians 5:20-21

 

 

From: David Wayne Smith,

Red Onion State Prison,

Pound, Virginia

Dear Christian Ambassadors, I have just recently had the extended privilege of a friend to pass on a teaching of yours, Lesson #28 -“Creation Waits Expectantly for God’s Children” by Sharon K. Griffee.  I found it inspiring, uplifting, and a joy to be able to read, which lends to the basis of my letter to you. 

If you would be so kind as to add me to your mailing list, so I can receive your Spiritual Growth Lessons, I would be so thankful and grateful to you for this blessing. 

Thank you so much for your time in this matter.  I will pray for your staff and all people involved in your organization, that God will surround you with a hedge of angels to always protect and bless you and your families.  Thank you and God Bless.  In Christ’s Love, David Smith.

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From: Christopher M. Dukes

Virginia Dept. of Corrections,

Dillwyn, Virginia

 

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for the personal letter and other information you sent me.  It truly touched my heart.  Praise the Lord!  Blessed are those who bring glad tidings, especially to those of a broken heart and contrite spirit. 

You don’t even know me, but yet you addressed me by my first name.  You didn’t treat me as a statistic, or just business as usual.  You spoke life to my spirit.  Your light spoke life to my dead bones and I desire to live life abundantly.  I share this with you because this is the reward owed to you.  It’s easy to tell that you and your husband have started Christian Ambassadors, because you love God and sincerely love His family.  May God bless you on your journey. 

Like you, I have chosen the narrow path, Jesus Christ, to shape my character.  I once was in Satan’s army and destructing the lives of many.  There are things that I am so ashamed of, but our Father has forgiven me, because I truly believe that Jesus Christ was the only sinless human and He took my sins and nailed them to the cross - even when I was that wretched person I was.  But, I keep on smiling because as I now know, nothing can separate me from the love of God.

In my environment, so many men choose the path of destruction.  Here in prison a Christian is open to hostility, ridicule, and persecution.  Few of us take on the challenge to really dedicate ourselves to be Christ bearers, and find joy that we have a purpose and special mission.  Those who are forgiven much, love much.  As I live for God in such a dark environment, it is a great reward to see the fruit of our labor.  That’s why I am sharing the fruit you have beared in my life.  Please continue to send me all your materials.  God Bless you! 
Chris Dukes

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From: Jeffro Morrow,

Red Onion State Prison,

Pound, Virginia

 

Dear Christian Ambassadors, I’ve read several of your Spiritual Growth Lessons, as they used to get passed around my cell block in prison here.  But, now, the Brother who was getting your lessons, has moved.

Could you please put me on your mailing list to receive your lessons?  I would be very grateful!

John 3:30 (KJV) - He must increase, but I must decrease.

God Bless you!  Jeffro Morrow

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From: Paul A. Brown,

Arkansas Valley Correctional,

Crowley, Colorado

Dear Sharon and Alan Griffee, Some amazing facts about your ministry: I did not personally request your newsletter, but someone else did so for me.  Two years later, I wrote you a letter quickly telling my story and how I am standing in Christ and looking forward! 

A couple months after writing you, and having completely forgotten about writing to you - I was in a low period.  I was sitting in my cell and thinking, “Well...the world has forgotten me...”  While stuck in this funk I tried to concentrate on scripture and picked up your newsletter.  As always, I was glad to have it.  But honestly, I wasn’t expecting too much.  I struggled to get focused on what I was reading, but just got more frustrated. 

Eventually I happened upon something in the newsletter that really spoke to me and I read on, gaining encouragement and soaring relief.  As I continued, it did seem oddly familiar.  But I didn’t make the connection until I realized I was reading a letter from a reader.  By the time I got to my own name at the end of the letter - I knew that God certainly hadn’t forgotten about me, and I felt the warm glow of His love and care.  And, I had a good hearty laugh at the devil’s expense!

And, that is not all.  Moments after this, mail call was announced and I heard from two treasured friends whom I had not heard from in three years, and had no way of contacting!  It was like several Christmas mornings spontaneously happening in the same hour!  To me it was not ‘unbelievable’, but I sat in quiet, intense praise for God for some time.  I am so proud of my God for rescuing me yet again - just as He promised He would - if I would look to Him.  The glory of God is upon your newsletter, in case you didn’t know it!  J  In the Love of Jesus, Paul A. Brown.

II Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) - Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

  =======================

From: Vicki Perry,

former prison inmate,

Charleston, West Virginia

Dear Sharon and Alan, As of September, 2005, I will be on the Board of Directors of Alabaster Box Ministries, because of my qualifications - prison PhD. J

Mary Foye came to Pruntytown and when I met her, I knew our paths would cross and our destinies were linked.  She helped me when I got out with various things.  She invited me to give my testimony for the annual fundraiser for Alabaster Box Ministries.  I gave it on July 30th, and when I sat down the Holy Spirit whispered - Now it begins.

Since then I have been her right hand person and the Lord has blessed it.  I just wanted you both to know that the “seed” you planted is growing and I praise God for you!  In His Love, Vicki Perry.

 

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Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your let­ters are welcome and appreciated. If you or a loved one is incarcerated in a jail or prison facility, anywhere in the US or abroad, please write for more infor­mation:

Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
PO Box 62876

Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2876 USA

Your family and friends may also check our website at:
www.christian-ambassadors.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

Live As Children

Of The Light

by

Sharon K. Griffee

 


Isaiah 60:1-2 (KJV) -  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Long, long ago the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus, God’s holy child, who would be born into a world which was burdened by darkness and trouble.

As the child Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man, so did the importance of His mission.  This dark world was in desperate need of the light that Christ Jesus came to bring.

When Jesus was only twelve years old, his parents, Mary and Joseph, went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast.  In the large crowd of people, they had lost track of Jesus and eventually discovered that he was missing.  Of course, we know from scripture that Jesus was only missing to his parents.  He knew exactly where he was, and what he was supposed to be doing.  At the age of twelve Jesus was clearly conscious of his identity and mission.

Luke 2:46-49 (NKJV) -  Now so it was that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and ask­ing them questions. And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought you anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?”

Does the world know our mis­sion? If we are to arise and shine, so that the glory of the Lord will be seen upon us, we must be aware of our identity and mission, as God’s children. It is essential that we be about our Father’s Business, because of ‘the darkness covering the earth and gross dark­ness the people,’ The spiritual needs of the world can only be met, as they see the light of Christ reflected in our lives.

As Jesus began pursuing his min­istry at the age of thirty, the light that he came into the world to bring, was undeniable. It’s influ­ence grew brighter and brighter, strangely attracting and drawing people away from the foreboding darkness surrounding them.

As the people, one by one, went toward the light, their lives were being changed. They gently, but firmly were being persuaded to make a choice. They could con­tinue to focus all their attention on their natural circumstances and the darkness around them; or they could drop what they were doing and follow Jesus, finding new meaning and purpose for their lives.

There was something about Jesus that made him stand out in the crowd. It was more then seeing him perform miracles, such as turning the water into wine at the wedding feast. It was more even, than watching him heal the sick, raise the dead, and cause blind eyes to see.

No, the light that attracted his staunch, devoted followers, had more to do with what he had to say. The truth of His words pierced their hearts, causing them to want to be near Jesus, to listen intently, that they might follow his ways.

To the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus said,

John 4:13-14 (NIV) - “Every­one who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

After her encounter with Jesus of Nazareth, there was no way this Samaritan woman wanted to go back to her old way of life. She desperately wanted the new life Christ was offering her.

What was so special about His teaching? What was Jesus actually teaching His followers as they trekked around the countryside and through the villages? The an­swer is priceless. He was simply teaching them, through word and deed, the mystery of the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:11). He was set­ting forth details of how to suc­cessfully overcome the darkness of this world, through the daily appli­cation of Kingdom principles.

Sometimes lessons have to be learned the hard way, as was the case with James and John. They received a strong word of rebuke from Jesus, when they tried to re­sort back to the ways of the world, rather than applying Kingdom principles.

Luke 9:51-56 (NKJV) - Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him [Jesus] to be re­ceived up, that He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before his face. And, as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for him. But, they did not receive Him, because his face was set for the journey to Jerusalem.

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to com­mand fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did”?

But He [Jesus] turned and re­buked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”

(See also John 10:10)

Take a closer look at what is hap­pening here. Instead of allowing the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts, James and John immedi­ately “flew off the handle”. They were ready to seek retribution. They wanted to “call down fire from heaven” to consume this vil­lage. Their hearts were set on de­struction - not salvation! Jesus rightly rebuked them saying, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.”

The kind of spirit Jesus was referring to, is accurately described by the Apostle Paul.

Ephesians 2:2-3 (KJV) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

If our way of dealing with frustrating circumstances is to respond the same way the world does, we are not behaving as children of God, but as children of wrath.  We are still being influenced by our conversations with the spirit of darkness.  We can, however, overcome the spirit of darkness by understanding his MO (mode of operation) in the world in which we live.

We live in an angry world, with people who are filled with wrath.  We find them in the society where we live.  People get upset over the least little thing. In our American society, litigation is part of daily life.  Why is this a common practice?  So many people have adopted the ways of the world, no one seems to want to be accountable for their actions.  People would rather blame (take the low road), rather then to forgive (take the high road) as Jesus teaches.  Lawsuits have become the way people deal with their problems.  The purpose?  To get even, to “destroy” the lives of others.  This spirit directly opposes Jesus, the Spirit of Light.

Heed what Jesus said to James and John, “For the Son of man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”

Retribution will not bring peace of mind.  Seeing someone else suffer will not in the end satisfy the deep longings of our heart.

Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).

 

 

 

 

Who’s Building
Your Temple?

By Roy Roberts

 

 

I had a dream the other night, and I do believe it came from the Lord. This is how it began: I was in a room that had a shelf around the wall, which was about three feet high. I had lain a bag of pretzels on the shelf and was looking out the window to the right of me. I noticed two things; 1) there were two squirrels playing outside the window; and 2) the top of the window was open. As I watched the squirrels playing, one crawled up the window case and through the top of the window. He hopped onto the shelf and began eating a pretzel.

In real life this would not have bothered me because I love the little critters, but in my dream it bothered me. So, I shooed him back out the window, and then tried to shut the window. But, when I tried to shut the window it fell out, frame and all.  With not a small bit of anger, I walked outside to fix it. But when I got outside there was a man who had a carpenter's belt on. I asked him if he would put my window back in place and make sure it would shut. And, he did. Then I walked back into the room, sure in my mind that the squirrel could not get in again. But, to my surprise, there he was sitting on the shelf, eating another pretzel.

After I shooed him out again, I saw him go through a small round hole in the wall.  I took a broom handle, pounded it into the hole, and cut it off. This time I knew I had gotten rid of him.

However, as I turned around, there he was, sitting on the shelf, chewing on another pretzel. Once again, I shooed him out.  Again, I watched where he went out. This time he went up over a stairwell to get out. I got on a chair to look where he went out, and saw an odd-shaped hole in the wall. I thought, who would have left this out? As I stepped down to the floor, I saw just the exact piece laying there on the floor. So, I hurriedly put the piece in place. As I walked back into the room, I knew I had blocked the very last hole, and that pesky little critter could not come in again. But, there he was sitting on the shelf again, eating another pretzel. Then, as I looked for a place where he could have gotten in, I noticed that half the far wall of the room was completely missing. This is when I awoke from the dream.

At this point, I started to ponder on the dream and to ask God for an interpretation of what I saw. That is when the meaning started to unfold to me. I saw many Christians trying to build their own temples. None of them were asking for any help from the Lord. Now they had all started out with the same firm foundation, Jesus Christ, but they laid aside God's plans for their lives and began building with their own plans.

In I Corinthians, Paul, talking to the church, tells them that God had given him the plans of the Master Builder, for the purpose of teaching them how to build their temples.

I Corinthians 3:10 (KJV) - “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise [God sent] masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”

There are a lot of Christians today who started out with the right foundation, but has since left God's plans for their lives, thinking that their temple needs be built in a different way. Instead of asking the Master Builder, Jesus Christ, for directions, they take off on their own and when disaster hits, down comes the temple.

Without God's plans for our lives, we tend to build too fast, lazily, and shoddishly; haphazardly. Building in this way, no matter whether temples, houses, or even sheds is very risky. We as people would not want to live in buildings that are in that shape, let alone our Heavenly Father. When we build temples without the help and guidance of Jesus Christ, we leave cracks, holes, and sometimes even unfinished walls. We think, “Oh I'll come back to that when I get time.” The only trouble is, we never get time. We're too busy with other fast, quick, temporary things to do. When we do this, in comes the pesky little critters that so easily beset us; our little pet sins we keep fighting off.  We let them come in the cracks, holes, and openings left undone.  This reminds me of the man Jesus talks about, who built his house on the sand.

Matthew 7:24-27 (KJV) - Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

We might be able to stand against small showers, but when the storms hit, our temples will fall. We are told in I Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19, that we are the temple of God and that the Holy Ghost lives in us. God chose us! We didn't choose Him. If He chose us, why not let Him build our temples to suit Him?

If we do that, then we won't have those pesky little critters to fight off all the time.  We can walk in victory.  We can triumph over the enemy.  We can say to Satan, get thee hence and he will flee.  We can take captive every thought and give them to God.

Let's say you wanted to rent a place, and the only one you could find was a two-bedroom house for $550 a month. You go down to look at it and the walls aren't complete.  The windows are bro­ken.  The electricity doesn’t work and the plumbing is on the fritz.  You wouldn't stay there, would you? Then why do we expect God to?

All of us, at some time or other, has tried to take the plans we want to use and build. Most of us, though, have turned back to God and said, “I can't do it. Please take control again.” And, God in his wondrous love, rebuilds the parts we have built, making them strong again, and goes on building more.

Look at how beautiful the Tabernacle was that God had Moses build. Why was it so beautiful? Moses built it to God's design. Also, look at Solomon’s Temple. Why was it so magnificent? Because it was built on God's design (Exodus 25:40; I Chronicles 28:12).

So, let's let God build our temples, then we won't have to be so busy fighting the pesky little sins that keep seeping through the cracks, in which nothing gets done. God's design is best.  After all, He made us in His likeness. Remember this, He loved us so much, He made us in His image.  He also loved us so much He came down in our image to save us from hell. If He has the design for our salvation, I believe we can trust His design for our lives.

Thank you for your time, and May God Bless you all. 

In His Service,

Brother Roy Roberts

ICIO, Orofino, Idaho

 

 

 

 

 

The Will of God

 

By Alan W. Griffee

 

 

Was it God’s will that you were sent to prison?  Was it God’s will that your parole was denied? Was it God’s will that a child was born with birth defects, killed by a drunk driver, or died from malnutrition? When something bad happens to someone we love, or to ourselves, many people will respond by saying it must have been God’s will. Ministers often try to console a grieving parent by telling them, “God works in mysterious ways.”  But, what do those words do to our faith in God? It may seem to be a comfort, for a short period, while we are most grieving. However, in the end, we inevitably blame God for our loss, and we lose faith in a God who would be so cruel as to deny life to a child, or to deny our freedom from imprisonment (whatever that imprisonment might be).

We believe in an omnipresent, omnipotent God – a God who is always present and all-powerful. To some, that means, God is in control of everything that happens. To deny that (we believe) would diminish (in eyes of man) whom God is. But, does it?  God is om­nipresent and omnipotent!  He can control every event that happens on earth.  Nevertheless, He has chosen not to. God has chosen to give man agency, to have domin­ion over the earth. He has chosen to allow man the right to make his own decisions and to choose or not to choose whom we will fol­low: God, Satan, or even our­selves. God does not control every event that happens here on earth. We have agency (dominion).

Genesis 1:27 (KJV) - God cre­ated man in his own image, in the image of God created he
him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and re­plenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

If man has agency to choose, then man has a very serious responsi­bility to choose rightly. We can’t just go off and do whatever we want. We have a responsibility to manage the things of the earth (to be a good steward over the envi­ronment), and to manage our rela­tionship with everyone around us (to be a good citizen of the world). We all have dependencies on and responsibilities toward everyone around us.

Every single person on this planet is a living member of God’s creation. God loves each of us and wants to guide us to a joyful and abundant life. Through His Holy Spirit, He is offering daily guidance to make our own life better, and to make our interaction with others better. This world could, and should, be paradise on earth if we would all (every person) be open to and responsive to the guidance God wants to make available for every choice we make. One person, who is disobedient to God’s will, can throw a monkey wrench into the works. We must recognize the co-dependence we all have on God and on one another.

We need to know and understand the will of God.  A minister and author, named Leslie D. Weather­head, in 1944 offered some very good insight into “The Will of God” through his book by the same title. He presented in a few short but powerful pages the con­cept of: the Ultimate Will of God, the Intentional Will of God, and the Circumstantial Will of God. The Intentional Will of God is what God wants to have happen (the choice He wants someone to make, or the action He wants someone to complete), given that nothing interferes to prevent it from happening. The Circumstan­tial Will of God is what God wants to have happen, in the event His Intentional Will is not realized. The Ultimate Will of God is what God has and will do to ultimately bring about his will for human­kind. God has not given up His omnipresence and omnipotence. He has simply (or maybe I should say, not-so-simply) given us the opportunity to be partners with him in creation.

To help clarify this concept of the intentional will, the circumstantial will, and the ultimate will of God, let’s look at a couple examples.  The ultimate will of God for hu­mankind is our redemption.  God has taken the necessary action to make that ultimately possible through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. 

John 3:16 (KJV) - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only be­gotten Son, that whosoever believ­eth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I can safely say that it is not God’s intentional will that a child die in a traffic accident, nor is it God’s in­tentional will that someone live a life of crime and become incarcer­ated in prison. It is God’s inten­tional will that we have life and live it abundantly.

John 10:10b (KJV) - I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Given the circumstances of a par­ent suffering the loss of their child in a tragic accident, or of an indi­vidual finding themselves incarcer­ated in prison, it is God’s circum­stantial will that they seek His peace, comfort, and guidance to get through their situation.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (NIV) Be joyful always; pray continu­ally; give thanks in all circum­stances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

Every day we are faced with cir­cumstances that require us to make new decisions or to alter a decision we made yesterday. It would be wonderful if we could go through life always having the path God intended for us laid out before us with no obstacles in our way. But, that is not the nature of life. We interact with people every day who may or may not be fol­lowing God’s intentional will for them. Every day we confront cir­cumstances that require God to alter His intentional will for us and to choose an alternate circumstan­tial will for us. It is our job to seek the Lord’s council in every choice we make.  We have to listen to the Holy Spirit and be the hands by which God’s intentional and circumstantial wills are fulfilled. Every person around us, every time they make a decision, is re­sponsible for obeying, disobeying, or ignoring God’s intentional or circumstantial will. God does not leave us clueless (in the dark) about His will. His Spirit is avail­able for all of us to know.

Luke 11:9-10 (NIV) – “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks re­ceives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Whether we like it or not, whether we want it or not, we are account­able to God for our actions. When we stand before God in judgment, we will see clearly all the choices we had in life and how well we responded to those choices.

I John 2:17 (NIV) - The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

 Colossians 1:9-10 (KJV) - For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowl­edge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, be­ing fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

 

 

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