Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHAPTER 13 THE LIFE OF LUKE WARM: EPILOGUE 2021



CHAPTER 13

LUKE ISSACHAR WARM:

                                       EPILOGUE 2021

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (John 3:16 KJV).                                                                                                  *

Issachar and Virtuous returned from taking their second Covid-19 shots. Issachar went up to his study to work on his live-stream bible study for later that evening.

He put his N95 mask in a plastic bag and turned on his computer. Going through this pandemic and all the other issues had been challenging. On top of that he was doing a LOT of soul-searching.

Discovering himself has been and is a painful journey, but it had also improved his life, his marriage, his ministry, and many other things. Issachar had actually been and felt real happiness lately. His self-discovery had improved ALL the different entities of his life.

He was amazed at how self-deluded he was about his self-invented Christianity. He had made BAD CHOICES as a result of his self-delusion. His pride, rebellion, and stubbornness truly BLINDED him and it made him make decisions that weren’t in HIS best interest or nobody else’s.

He thought he was a SUCCESSFUL Christian, but he was a SUCCESSFUL delusion of a Christian. He had contributed to alienating people from having a genuine “covenant” relationship with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit.

He THOUGHT he could be a Christian without God. He was PROUD about it too, but it was REALLY in denial.

Since his conversion, he had become more forgiving, compassionate, empathy, and understanding as he unfolded the truths about his unrepentant past.

He NOW cared how he represented God and how his behavior impacted his witness. He had been so self-delusional he no longer trusted his OWN opinion about himself. He relied upon God’s Word to self-reflect, because it was effective and transforming. God had forgiven him, but Issachar constantly wondered: How much of Christianity’s bad reputation did I contribute.

During the pandemic, civil unrest, political issues and everything else Issachar watched people who “proclaimed” to be of the Christian faith.

He SAW what - so-called PUBLIC, “proclaiming” Christians, on MEDIA sights everywhere, who had HIGHJACKED Christianity, IT SEEMED - was doing to the REPUTATION of the faith.

The perception of CHRISTIANITY had drastically changed and because of THOSE WHO were PUBICALLY “proclaiming” to represent the FAITH, their VIEWS were, unfortunately, correct.

Nonetheless, it was a FALSE representation of God’s authentic, followers, WHO kept God’s commandments and truly lived to give HIM glory!

He SAW the PUBLIC, “proclaiming,” self-invented CHRISTIANS who SAID they were followers of Jesus Christ, but OBVIOUSLY they were willfully walking in DARKNESS. He read: “…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 (without the GLORY of spiritual fruit), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  the deeds of the flesh are evident” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).

God’s people PROMOTED God’s agenda while upon earth; not man’s "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).

The DUKE MOVEMENT he’d started with the youth, years ago, had DWINDLED considerably. Other young people were threatening to leave the church too. They said CHRISTIANITY wasn’t the trusted FAITH it used to be and most people CARED little or NOTHING about genuinely following the lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

This hurt and broke Issachar’s heart. He felt DEEPLY that he’d contributed to this perception. Son City Ministries, like everyone else, was impacted by the lack of physical church attendance, but if the truth be told it had been declining for years.

Most churches had turned to live-streaming, but COVID-19 seems to have accelerated the decline even more. All mission work or bible messages are taking place, totally, outside the church walls.

Issachar wondered when things went back to the NEW NORMAL would those engaging at home COUNT as much as those attending in person.

Since 2020 everything had shifted to the HOMEFRONT: jobs, school, shopping, even fitness, and of course, church fellowship.

Issachar felt the PUBLIC, “proclaiming” CHRISTIANS who had blatantly HIGHJACKED the faith had become merely political and ideological followers, but LOST and spiritually dead souls are NOT LOOKING for the CULTURE, in Christian people or fellowships, they are SEEKING Jesus Christ.

If the CHRISTIAN CHURCH isn’t the PLACE to find Jesus Christ, but are serving as just another POLITICAL and IDEOLOGICAL part of the societal culture, Christianity’s relevancy will eventually FADE AWAY.

Issachar PRAYED for a REVIVAL among God’s true FOLLOWERS so people who came LOOKING for Jesus would FIND HIM!

In order to lead others to JESUS, who is THE WAY, God’s “proclaimed” people NEEDED to first, genuinely and authentically, FIND HIM for themselves.

He knew that truth TOO WELL.

Before he TRULY converted Issachar was AMONG those, such as atheists, agnostics, and the spiritual, who had NO SPECIFIC belief.

He helped DRIVE the trend of a self-invented CHRISTIAN identity, without CHRIST. He was NO DIFFERENT than the “no belief” group of people.

Whether he liked it or not, he had HELPED shift people AWAY from the DOMINANT figure (Jesus Christ) and the true leader of the, once, DOMINANT faith.

Secular society was starting to believe that LIFE would be BETTER off and more BENEFICIAL without the hateful, polarized effect that PUBLIC, “proclaiming” CHRISTIANS, who’d HIGHJACKED the faith, were presenting.

Because of the WRONG perception, people were MOVING away from CHRISTIANTY rapidly. 35% of people were UNCHURCHED. People were focusing on higher education, critical thinking, science, and liberal politics as A WAY to progress toward UNITY and JUSTICE; not Christianity.

Issachar had WONDERED how MANY self-invented, “self-proclaimed” Christians, like he was, were NOT willing to COMMIT themselves to Jesus Christ.

If self-invented, “self-proclaimed,” and so-called Christians are NOT willing to commit their lives to Jesus what will become of Christianity in the world?

It was once a FAITH of LOVE and HOPE, but some people were representing CHRISTIANITY as a FAITH of HATE and DISCOURAGEMENT.

It seemed like SUCH a big task. CHRISTIANITY was INFESTED with self-invented, “self-proclaiming” and misrepresenting CHRISTIANS without CHRIST or his internal qualities such as SPIRITUAL FRUIT.

Issachar KNEW why God had SAVED him and GIVEN him another chance. He KNEW what his responsibility was and he had already starting using his influences to RECONCILE, RESTORE, and MAKE WHOLE God’s people FIRST.

The world needed a new perspective of CHRISTIANITY that WITNESSED God’s GLORY through the lifestyle of Jesus Christ BYWAY of his REAL followers. This was Issachar’s MISSION.

When Issachar began to encourage a close bond and connection with Jesus Christ as a WAY to improve the CHRISTIAN IMAGE he got a LOT of BACKLASH.

Famous evangelicals turned against him, because he no longer supported their politics or ideology. He wanted to KEEP the focus upon Jesus Christ. They didn’t understand why he WANTED out and didn’t want to hear his explanation.

Issachar could not SAY he was more Christian than his fellow-evangelicals, but he couldn’t, many of them truly and passionately believed they were fighting for the cause of Christ.

Many of his fellow-evangelicals decided to CUT him OFF, but he wasn’t offended or bothered, his MISSION was to PROMOTE Jesus’ agenda first and foremost.

He wasn’t doing this for them or anyone else, but he was shocked at HOW MANY turned their backs on his new proposed agenda. He had asked many of them to join him in focusing on SAVING Christian values in society through conversion rather than human laws.

Many folded their arms and DID nothing. Yet, he had to DO what he was SPARED to do before God and God alone.

Politics and ideology made him LEAN too much toward prejudice, his OWN or man’s agenda, the lust for power and approval, and it made him succumb to unjust behaviors toward others.

When asked which side was he on - conservative or progressive - he said NEITHER. He was accused of NOT supporting Christian concerns and Christian values. Yet, he had supported and defended Christian liberties for years and owed no explanation. He would not be bullied.

He was also working with God, the Holy Spirit, toward a government and a culture that would be emboldened and empowered with Christian principles and values, except it wouldn’t done by human laws, but through the POWERFUL working POWER of God’s SPIRIT.

His fellow-evangelicals had ACCUSED him of abandoning the CAUSE at a critical moment, but he STOOD HIS GROUND. This time he was using his stubbornness for God's GLORY and not his own!

He told them they had LONG AGO abandoned the CAUSE when they abandoned the REASON and PERSON which was supposed to be the FOCUS of the cause: JESUS CHRIST.

He told them CHRISTIANITY will NEVER be the DOMINANT force EVER again UNTIL Jesus Christ RETURNS to the HELM.

The CHRISTIAN ethic will NEVER return to INFLUENCE society for the GOOD until it RETURNS to first INFLUENCE the HEARTS of God’s “own” PEOPLE through his INDWELLING and his POWERFUL Word.

They spoke to HIM about their FREEDOMS being curtailed and their communities deteriorating. Yet, Jesus had ALREADY set his people FREE and God, the Holy Spirit PROMISES if HIS PEOPLE would pray, turn from “their” wicked ways, and humble themselves he HEAL the whole country.

His fellow-evangelicals had a HOST of other political concerns, which they felt JUSTIFIED their support for a PERSON whose CONDUCT contradicted the LIFESTYLE of JESUS CHRIST.

They believed a MERE, finite human being, without spiritual fruit, could ADVANCE their CHRISTIAN values instead of God, the Holy Spirit, that “supposedly” dwelled within each of HIS PEOPLE.

They willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to CONDONE the rhetoric of someone who possessed NONE of the spiritual fruit and PROVED his was NOT one of Jesus’ disciples.

It proved the self-invented Christian clergy or leader that promotes outward conformity had BLINDED the minds of “self-claiming” Christians. “...A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump...” (Galatians 5:9 KJV).

It is spiritual fruit that is PRODUCED by the indwelling SPIRIT that PROVES someone is one of Jesus’ disciples. Instead his fellow-evangelicals BELIEVED this “MERE, finite HUMAN” not JESUS CHRIST had the POWER to USHER in the GREATER GOOD for the society.

It was a SAD state, but God’s people could trust God to turn it around by letting God, the Holy Spirit through Jesus, within them, SAVE one soul at a time.

Nothing is too hard for God and nothing IMPOSSIBLE. God’s people just needed to REFOCUS and WIN SOULS. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

 “...the Son of man (God’s living Word) is come to seek and to save that which was lost...” (Luke 19:10 KJV). ).   “....receive... the ...word (Jesus), which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...And one who is wise gains souls...” (Proverbs 11:30 NASB). “...souls of men(women)...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV).

Issachar thought if one group of disciples added thousands to the church daily. Imagine if in all 50 states thousands of people accepted Christ daily. That would be over a million+ souls a month. “...Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved...” (Acts 2 MSG).

Issachar was reading Acts chapter 2. Converting the heart whether than changing the human law would have MORE of an impact on Christian concerns and values than ANYTHING ELSE. “...Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls...” (Acts 2:38-42 KJV)

“...they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved...” (Acts 2:46-27 KJV).

“...That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers .... Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved...” (Acts 2 MSG).

THIS EXCITED ISSACHAR!!

God had GIVEN Issachar, through his MERCY, another chance by SAVING his LOST SOUL and in return, he would give God, the Holy Spirit, the rest of his earthly life to make his appeal through him. The bible says: “...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...” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).

CLICK PHOTO BELOW TO BUY WHOLE BOOK


CHAPTER 12 THE LIFE OF LUKE WARM: LIFE CHANGING MERCY


CHAPTER 12

LUKE WARM:

                         LIFE-CHANGING MERCY

... God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). “...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

                                                   *

Issachar hadn’t preached or taught anything since last year it was almost April and they wanted him to bring the Easter message. He’d been keeping a journal, which he started in REHAB. What should he preach about?

Miraculously, his doppelganger, David Anderson was dead and so was his wife, Sheila Anderson. The accident had changed him and Broad Street no longer appealed to his appetites. Why had God given him a fresh start? Who does that?

He and Virtuous were talking and connecting again or maybe for the first time, ever. She’d even let him kiss her on the lips the other day, but he’d hurt her really bad and she was a slow thaw. Nonetheless, for some reason, she had shown and was still showing him nothing but kindness

Issachar had sent her through many problems. She’d SUFFERED from some serious heart-break and he wasn’t worthy of her. He was surprised and grateful she was still with him. Why did she bother?

Both as Issachar L Warm and David Anderson he’d been OUT of control, disrupted her life, negated her feelings, and turned her dreams UPSIDE down. I don’t deserve to even be in her presence.

He’d caused his wife GREAT harm. His behavior had IMPACTED her spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally life, but she took “good” care of him anyway.

Issachar faced his mistakes, wrongs, asinine behaviors, and his inflexible pride, stubbornness, and rebellion, but it was hard to face what he’d done to Virty. If she left him he wouldn’t blame her.

In addition, it was hard to face what he’d done to the church body. The only thing he’d done genuinely was play an active role as a parent. He provided for them. He protected them. He disciplined them. He was dependable when it came to their sports games, recitals, and any other school events. He tried his hardest to plan his ministry trips around his family and not the other way around.

During last Christmas, together, his children told him how they appreciated how he stuck with them through thick and thin. They liked how he got involved with their many shenanigans, showed compassion, valued their mother, was empathetic through their awkward stages, expressed his love, and demonstrated his care. I don’t deserve their love or praise either.

Plus, he felt a tinge of guilt when they said he’d valued their mother, but Virty had NEVER told them different. She felt a good father made a difference in a child’s life. Issachar did fatherhood well. He was a pillar of strength, support, happiness for their children. In spite of all the negative things she knew and had experienced with Issachar, he WAS a good father.

He had been a lost soul for most of their marriage, their family life, and his private life. Now Jesus had come into his life to SEEK and SAVE “...that which was lost...,” which was Issachar. As he read the words he’d read so many times before, they became MORE than words, but LIFE. “…[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus].... came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). ...receive the word (Jesus) implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

“…What shall it profit a man (woman), if he (she) shall gain the whole world, and lose his (her) own soul (LIFE, person)?...” (Mark 8:36 KJV). “...And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life (soul, person)...” (Job 2:6 KJV). “...you must spare his life..." (Job 2:6 NIV).

The SOUL, Issachar, was learning was who he was or that immaterial part of him. It is the SOUL that is SAVED and set free. The bible says: “…a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth” (Luke 12:15 KJV).

When Issachar surrendered and accepted Christ as his Savior, he didn’t think he’d be interested in Christianity any more. Why was God interested in a USER LOSER like him anyway?

Issachar had only come to the Christian faith for its RICHES and ADVANTAGES. He was “NO” Job. “...Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). 

Job had a genuine heart for God and he OPENLY expressed his opinion about his personal “trials and tribulations”. “…Shall we (God’s children) accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). Many of God’s people can say:…‘We’ve GIVEN up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

It seemed, to Issachar, that no MATTER what was LOST or GAINED, God’s children continue to LOVE and TRUST HIM will ALL THEIR SOUL. “…[They are to] ...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

Virty said, she knew, through it all, “…he [God, the Holy Spirit would remain]... faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). The bible says: “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

 “…[Thus,]...a man's (woman’s) life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he (she) possesseth” (Luke 12:15 KJV). “…Anyone who wants to be [God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus’]... follower must love [him] far more than he (she) does his (her) own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his (her) own life otherwise he (she) cannot be my disciple...(Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever...” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

Amazingly, King David said: “... I desire you more than anything on earth...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT). ….everything else (people you treasure, material wealth, the earthen vessel, etc.,) is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [God’s children’s]… Lord...” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “...I ...belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT).  “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).  “... I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT).

 Virty had experienced so much with him and life period, but she STAYED dependent upon God through them ALL.  She said she’d struggled like any other human being, but eventually she would come to a place of rest, because she believed her LIFE was SAFE in God’s hands. “…I have learned to be CONTENT whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“… I can do (be CONTENT in the midst of) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… The Lord is my shepherd; I SHALL not want. … (Psalms 23 KJV). “…All things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “….all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV).

“…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [his children’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).[God] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (2 Corinthians 12 NLT).

“...Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 MSG). “...For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?...” (Matthew 16:25-26 NIV).

Satan told God, the Holy Spirit:  “…strike everything [Job]... has, and he will surely curse you to your face?” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). I am no job.

Virty said God may have allowed adversity into her life, but HE wasn’t trying to HURT her or HARM her. “…the faithful followers of the Lord  … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).

 “...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Satan “…intended to harm, but God intended it for ...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

“…The plans [God has]…for [his children are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB).…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man (woman), the things which God hath prepared for them that love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Virty didn’t always like the journey, but she knew God was allowing her to be tested. He was also disciplining some of her lingering, unrighteous behavior.  “...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). 

 Virty LEARNED to PRAY. God, the Holy Spirit SAYS: “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you...” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB).

Virty LEARNED to be CONTENT and PATIENT while she WAITED on God’s PERFECT timing. “… [So]...let patience have her perfect (maturing) work, that [God’s people] may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing...” (James 1:2-6 KJV). “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...God is the strength of [his people’s]... heart, and [their]... portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

God will “…never leave nor forsake you… …” (Hebrews 13:5).

King David was becoming Issachar’s favorite biblical character. “... I (King David) said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none [and nothing].... upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

King David expressed that HIS LIFE and his WHOLE WORLD was made up of and attached to God, the Holy Spirit, who was his PORTION. “... my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV).

After all he’d done, God, the Holy Spirit, was King David’s INHERITANCE. God through Jesus GIVES each of his children, which included Issachar now, “this” INHERITANCE, equally.  “… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). Why would he give to me? I’ve been a wretched, pathetic thief, phony, and a stubborn hypocrite.

God through Jesus Christ was also Issachar’s INHERITANCE. Undeservingly he’d been GIVEN “ALL” the RICHES of his GLORY through Jesus Christ too. “… the riches of the glory (PRESENCE, GOODNESSES, and POWER of God)…” (Colossians 1:27 NASB).

For years Issachar STOLE and tried to STEAL God’s RICHES, when God gave them to his children for FREE.

Issachar went after the WRONG part of God’s RICHES. He’d discovered, there is “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT).  “…the riches of his glorious inheritance (bountiful spiritual blessings)…” (Ephesian 1:18 NIV). “... RICH IN MERCY (debt of sin, paid in full)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB).“… the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … [revelation]...knowledge…” (Roman 11:33-34).  “…He is “SO” RICH ...that he purchased [mankind’s]... freedom [from sin]...with the blood of his Son and forgave [“all” their]... sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “... the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering...” (Romans 2:4 ASV). HIDDEN RICHES of SECRET PLACES…” (ISAIAH 45:3). “…[God] …will generously (RICHLY) PROVIDE all … [mankind’s] need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

God is the SOURCE of RICHES and FREELY supplies ALL his people’s NEED. “…My God WILL SUPPLY ALL [your need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…The LORD will perfect (take care of) that which concerneth [his people]…” (PSALM 138:8). God’s children, no matter what they lose, while upon earth, are NEVER destitute.

Issachar had treasured his pride, his stubbornness, his rebellions, his WAY, and his self-invented Christianity. NONE of those things were EVER as VALUABLE as the inheritance he’d received through Jesus Christ, who was now WITHIN his heart. “...My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “...Every good thing I have comes from you...” (Psalm 16:2 NLT). “... the riches of His grace...” (Ephesians 1:7-8 NASB). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

Issachar THOUGHT: I know what my Easter sermon will be about...GOD’S MERCY.