Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

“. . . The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness . . .” Exodus 34:6 (NIV)

“2  And behold a leper came up to Him and, prostrating himself, worshiped Him, saying Lord, if You are willing, You are able to cleanse me by curing me.  3  And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed by being cured. And instantly his leprosy was cured and cleansed.” Matthew 8:2-3 (AMP)

The Sovereign Lord God Almighty is compassionate, so too His only begotten Son – Jesus the Anointed One and His Anointing. Nevertheless, compassion doesn’t generate a “pass” for behavior contrary to the way of God. Although the free-will with which we were created in God’s image may embolden us to go along with behavior acceptable to the world such doesn’t equate to behavior acceptable to God. That is, free-will might seem like freedom to go along with whatsoever is popular but that’s getting it twisted because these aren’t synonymous. God’s grace and mercy never translates into a free for all. In other words, that the Son has set us free (John 8:36) isn’t license to do whatsoever. Although the Apostle Paul was applying the verse which follows to a different situation it is apropos, “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom” Galatians 5:13 (MSG). Primarily, the LORD says what He means and means what He says as evidenced when God gave exact instructions for obtaining water from the rock the second time around. The LORD instructed Moses: “Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water” Numbers 20:8b (NIV); instead the person with whom God spoke face-to-face as with a friend (Exodus 33:11) elected to do his own thing by reminding the people of their insolence as he struck the rock (Numbers 20:10-11). Due to the fact that Moses didn’t honor God, he was only allowed to see but not enter into the promised land (Numbers 20:12, Deuteronomy 3:27). Revelation of the information in the WORD by the Teaching of the Holy Spirit forewarns as to what doors we prop open allowing the devil and his cohorts entrance (Dt 30:15-16,19-20a). However, a significant number of people blame God for the atrocities perpetrated through man by the evil one. No, God didn’t do that! God is Love (1 John 4:8,16); and the first fruit that those who are reconciled unto the Father by the blood of Jesus are called to give evidence of is love (Galatians 5:22-23) because “faith worketh by love” Galatians 5:6 (KJV). Doubt about the goodness of Love Who is God comes to hinder faith; doubt is a cohort of the devil who will whisper question after question in an attempt to thwart your faith (belief) that the promises of God belong to you by the finished work of Christ Jesus. The Living Word made it plain: “for it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” Luke 12:32 (NLT). When the devil whispers doubt, speak the confession relayed by another kingdom citizen: “I’m a Believer. I am not a doubter. The Word works for me!” Faith shields against the fiery darts of the devil, and God’s Word is our sword (Ephesians 6:16-17); USE IT!

Speak the promise . . . Harriet