YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH
GETTING TO “KNOW” Y O U, Part 2
WRITTEN BY GAYLE L. WALLACE
“…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
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Second, A MIRROR VIEW of who I really WAS meant answering the KNOCK at the DOOR of my HEART. “...Look! [Jesus, God’s TRUTH stands]... at the door [of his people’s hearts] and knock....” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).
Imagine this for a moment, the LORD of lords and KING of kings is KNOCKING on the door of YOUR hearts. Do you let HIM in? or Do you avoid or ignore the knock?“...On his (Jesus) robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV).
“...If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [Jesus, God’s TRUTH]... will come in, and will share a meal together [with you]... as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).
Most of God’s people would readily say, “yes, of course I’d open up” However, once they realize “the knock” is upon the DOOR of their HEARTS, the zeal to open up is short-lived. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
It is easy to SAY or PROCLAIM you desire and want MORE of God until you find out what it costs. “...But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not denyYou.” All the disciples said the same thing too...” (Matthew 26:34-35 NASB).
“...Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly...” (Matthew 26:69-75 NASB).
What about the RICH MAN in the bible? He was religiously devote and behaved according to God’s commandment. He knew MUCH about the commandments, but ONE DAY he desired and wanted MORE of God. “...As Jesus started on his way, a [rich]...man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
Jesus complimented the rich man on his knowledge of the commandments. “...You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
The rich man boasted on his “MORAL” goodness in keeping God’s commands. “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these ”I” have kept since I was a boy...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
The rich man sounded like an “OBEDIENT” child of God. Not many, if any, of God’s people could boast of keeping God’s commandment since early childhood, but the rich man did. “ ...all these ”I” have kept since I was a boy...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
Yet, in spite of his “MORAL” behavior Jesus knocked upon the DOOR of the rich man’s HEART. “...[Jesus, God’s TRUTH stood]... at the door [of the rich man’s heart] and knock[ed]...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).“...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
The RICH man claimed he desired and wanted MORE from God UNTIL Jesus, God’s TRUTH KNOCKED upon the DOOR of his HEART. “...“Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... (Mark 10:17-22 NIV). “...“One thing you lack,” [Jesus, God’s TRUTH] said [to the rich man]. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
“…Thy word is TRUTH…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… The Spirit of truth (the WORD) …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH led him into ALL the TRUTH. “...“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,.” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV). “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT).
God’s TRUTH shined upon his ways and together, they faced the rich man’s reluctance to OBEY ALL God’s commandments. “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT). “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS , WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).
Within his heart, the rich man, was NOT willing to depart from his earthly wealth to KEEP God’s commandments. In the Old Testament, “…[God’s people]... ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, …” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH, allowed the RICH man to see the darkness within his own heart. “...“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,.” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV). “...At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
Jesus SAW the sinful secret HIDDEN in the rich man’s heart.“...God SEES NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (Jesus, God’s TRUTH), which knowest the hearts of all men (women)…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).
It is interesting how God’s people SEEK the Lord, ask him to change them, fast and pray to be conformed into the image of Jesus, and even invite him to commune with them.
God’s people invite Jesus, God’s truth to any room in their temple, but the heart. “...Look! [God stands]... at the door [of their hearts] and knock. If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [God]... will come in, and [they] will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT). “...I will come in to him (her), and will sup with him (her), and he (she) with me...” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “...I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you(each of HIS people)...” (Revelation 3:20 MSG). “...I will come in to him (her) and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).
Jesus ALWAYS accepts the invitation to help his people transform their minds and conform their behaviors. God’s people will continually invite him to fellowship with them, UNTIL, transforming and conforming becomes too costly or sacrificial. “…[God’s people]... ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).
God’s people will, SADLY, like the RICH man walk away or ask God to leave; slamming the DOOR behind HIM.“...[Jesus] said [to the RICH man]. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...Then come, follow me...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
God’s commandments also said: “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).
God teaches HIS people or children to BE HOLY, so that what they DO and WHO they are will MATCH. The RICH man BOASTED about “KEEPING” God’s TRUTH, but DID HE? “...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
What the RICH man DID and WHO he WAS “within” his heart; DIDN’T MATCH. The RICH man BOASTED about KEEPING God’s commandments. “...You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV). “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these ”I” have kept since I was a boy...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH saw the rich man’s heart. “…thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT).
“...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH gave the RICH man instructions. “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).
“….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “...Jesus ...said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).“...If you love me, you will keep my commandments...” (John 14:15).
“...the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).
The rich man’s decision revealed his “real” self. His actions spoke volumes and the bible says, out of the abundance of his heart. “...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks..." (Matthew 12:34-35).
The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “… from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts (thoughts that tell you to walk away from God’s TRUTH, because you THINK you are too wealthy)…these … come from within, and defile a person ...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
“...He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Mark 10:17-22 NIV).“…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Why would the rich man choose his earthly wealth over spiritual wealth? Let’s LOOK at his actions. He asked Jesus, God’s TRUTH what he needed TO DO to have eternal life (spiritual wealth). “...what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?...” (Mark 17:22 KJV).
The Lord HEARD him, knocked on the door of his heart and the rich man invited him in. However, Jesus, God’s TRUTH is enLIGHTenment. “… [Jesus’] name is [also] ... called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… I am (jesus, god TRUTH is) the light (revelation knowledge of God) ...of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV).
“…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god is spirit)… and they are LIFE….” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “... the light (Jesus, god’s truth) makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) will give you light (revelation knowledge of god)... (Ephesians 5:19 NLT). “…THE WORDS ...they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was [and is]... God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… I am the light(revelation knowledge of god) of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... He (jesus, god’s truth) is a light to reveal God to the nations (and to individuals)...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). Jesus, the Word of TRUTH is “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB).
“…The Light (Jesus, God’s TRUTH) … enlightens (or gives revelation knowledge of god, the holy spirit to) every ...[REDEEMED]...man (woman)…” (John 1:19 NASB). “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “...For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (God’s TRUTH)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NASB).
“... the light (Jesus, god’s truth) makes everything visible... (Ephesians 5:19 NLT).
The rich man had been exposed by God’s TRUTH. He DID NOT want to sell all he had. Jesus was asking TOO MUCH and he had GREAT earthly wealth. “...The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go...” (Mark 17:22 MSG).
He had boasted of “KEEPING” all of God’s commandments, but God’s TRUTH had revealed HE HAD NOT kept and was NOT WILLING to keep ALL of God’s commandments. “...And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth...” (Mark 10:20 KJV). “...He said, “Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!...” (Mark 10:20 MSG).
The rich man, rather than obey Jesus’, God’s TRUTH’s, instructions, choose to turn his back and walk away. “...he walked off with a heavy heart...” (Mark 17:22 MSG). “...he ... went away grieved....” (Mark 17:22 KJV).
The rich man was keeping God’s commandments on HIS terms. He turned away from the opportunity to REPENT. “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).“… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB). “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life...” (John 3:16).
In turning his back and walking away he was putting God’s TRUTH “out” of his heart and walking away from the opportunity to be converted. “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).
The rich “went away grieved” without getting, THE MORE, he went to Jesus, God’s TRUTH to get in the first place; SALVATION. “...he was sad .... and went away grieved...” (Mark 17:22 KJV).
LET’S LOOK AGAIN: “...And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?...” (Mark 10:17 KJV). “ ...he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?...” (Mark 10:17 MSG).
Had the rich man stayed and FACED Jesus, God’s TRUTH, he would have received revelation knowledge. The revelation knowledge would have enabled him to have the break through to THE MORE he desired from God. “…I had not known SIN, but by the law: for I had not known LUST, except the law had said, THOU SHALT NOT COVET…” (Romans 7:7 KJV). “…It was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet...” (Romans 7:7 NLT).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH wanted the rich man to KNOW that “keeping the law” can’t be DONE in the flesh. “...I am all too human ...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
When the rich man responded, he said: “...Master, all these have I observed from my youth...” (Mark 10:20 KJV). “...He said ... I have—from my youth—kept them all!...” (Mark 10:20 MSG).
However, Jesus revealed, God’s TRUTHS, to the rich man NOT to CONDEMN or JUDGE him, but to enlighten him. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).
God told the rich man about helping the POOR to show him that NO HUMAN can, perfectly, KEEP God’s HOLY commands. “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord— and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).
The rich man was NOT willing to KEEP God’s commands “IF” it meant giving up HIS earthly wealth. “...thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent...” (Revelation 3:17-19 KJV).
“…All scripture (god’s truth) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable ... for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man (woman) of God may be perfect (mature), thoroughly furnished unto all good works…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV).
“...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).
“…I had not known SIN, but by the law: for I had not known LUST, except the law had said, THOU SHALT NOT COVET…” (Romans 7:7 KJV). “…It was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet...” (Romans 7:7 NLT).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH knocked on the DOOR of the rich man’s heart and he opened up. As they COMMUNED, together, the rich man was able to SEE specific areas of his heart that was plagued with sin and he was NOT ready to surrender to God’s instructions. “...Jesus ...said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
God’s people and ALL of mankind have continually wanted to follow their OWN ways and desires; instead of God’s. “…[God’s]... people ...[will]... not listen to ...[HIM... They ...[keep]... doing whatever they [want]…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
The rich man was NO different. He was NOT willing to GIVE UP his wealth for the service of God or others.“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
The rich man had made his WEALTH an idol and loved IT more than he did God. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “...people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching....” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).“... They will follow their own desires...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth ...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH hits the bullseye EVERY time. “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit... and [is]...able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart...” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH is “NOT” LOOKING at how well his people PERFORM his commandments, because HE is focused upon the HEART. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART (mind)…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart(mind)…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God knows it is “…from within, out of the heart (mind) of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The heart(mind) “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).
Many people, even God’s own people, fight to KEEP their secret sins and self-destructive habits, which beat them up and highly contribute to their willful choice to commit spiritual suicide. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. “The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!...” (Revelation 3:17-19 MSG).
“...As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent...” (Revelation 3:17-19 KJV).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH says to be ZEALOUS to repent. God’s people willfully and voluntarily choice to LIVE FREE from sin. “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).“… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB).
It is a CHOICE, without question or excuse, to allow Jesus, God’s TRUTH to cleanse and sanctify the hearts of his people. “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “…Christ (God’s TRUTH) ….loved the church, and GAVE himself for it; That he (God’s TRUTH) might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word (of god)….” (Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV).
“...Look! [Jesus, God’s TRUTH stands]... at the door [of their hearts] and knock....” (Revelations 3:20 NLT). “...If you (HIS people) hear [his] voice and open the door, [Jesus, God’s TRUTH]... will come in, and will share a meal together [with each of them]... as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).
Jesus, God’s TRUTH is “KNOCKING AT THE DOOR” of your heart. He desires to COMMUNE and DINE with you there. Jesus, God’s TRUTH desires to GIVE his people a CLEAN heart and INSERT TRUTH in their inmost parts. “…Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10 KJV). “...Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts...” (Psalm 51:5-6 KJV).
Open up the DOOR of your heart, God knows you anyway. . “..You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways…” (Psalm 139:1-3 KJV).
“…Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD….” (Jeremiah 23:24 NLT). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account…” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV). “…For his eyes are upon the ways of man (woman), and he seeth all his (her) goings…” (Job 34:21 KJV). “…Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalms 139:7 KJV).
God’s people and all people can come to HIM and confess their sins. God will show them love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and will cleanse them from ALL unrighteousness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).“…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
Had the rich man stayed, Jesus, God’s TRUTH, simply wanted to teach HIM, he couldn’t be SAVED by the WORKS of “keeping the LAWS,” but by GRACE through FAITH and that it was a FREE GIFT of God. “… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (human faith, self-effort), then Christ is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV).
By revealing the rich man’s LOVE for money, Jesus, God’s TRUTH was teaching HIM EVERYONE, upon earth, falls SHORT when it comes to “KEEPING” God’s HOLY standards. It also PROVES how EVERYONE of us NEEDS a SAVIOR. “…Apart from Me (the indwelling Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (self-effort, human faith) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…Who will free [you] from this life that is dominated (disabled) by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
So when Jesus, God’s TRUTH, exposes the hidden sins of the heart, confess and allow him to cleanse you. God looks at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...[Confess and God through Jesus]... is faithful and just ...to cleanse [YOU]... from all unrighteousness...” (1 John 1:9 KJV).
Then you can FREELY praise HIM for all the GREAT things he has DONE for you personally. “…[the] great things [he hath done] for ...[his people]…” (Psalm 126:2-3 KJV). “… he hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… he had done so many miracles before them ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit of TRUTH is WORTHY of all our praise and thanksgiving!! “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: …” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV).
“...On his (Jesus) robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords...” (Revelation 19:16 NIV).
THE TRUTH MAY HURT, BUT ITS LIBERATING!
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