“…Choose
you
this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… I
have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19
KJV). “…Choose LIFE…”
(Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said…
I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…But my people would
not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They
went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “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). “…Because sentence
against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons
of men is fully set in them to do evil [by choice]….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11
KJV).
*
God said: “….let
us make man
… after our
likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).
“...After his likeness...” means mankind was MADE or CREATED with
similar qualities or abilities as God, the
Holy Spirit. One of those qualities was a “will” which gave them the
ability to make decisions.
The ability to make decisions
is an action of the will, which demonstrates its power to enable mankind to
make CHOICES.
A CHOICE is a course of action
that is selected among two or more options. A CHOICE is not something that is
FORCED upon the “will,” but something that is a voluntary action of the will.
God said: “….let
us make man
… after our
likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). Mankind
has human will and God has sovereign will.
Thus,
God gave mankind a human will, although on a much, much smaller scale than his sovereign will.
God “…does whatever pleases him…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one
can hold back his hand or say to
him: “What have you
done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “… Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do
whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10
NLT).
God’s SOVEREIGN will
“always” take precedence over human will when it comes to the WAY God chooses
to run HIS WORLD or the people upon HIS EARTH. “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit)
does as he pleases (not
mankind) with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
For example: King Nebuchadnezzar
did NOT heed God’s sovereign will. God said: “… Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my
advice: Renounce your sins
by doing what is right…” (Daniel
4 NLT). “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases ...with the ...the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel
4 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar ignored
the opportunity to CHOOSE God’s WILL OVER
his OWN will. A year later he still had NOT willfully or voluntarily submitted to
God’s sovereign will. “….Twelve
months later, as the king was
walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the
great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel
4 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar, like many of God’s people
today, are NOT listening to his sovereign will for their lives. “… my people would
not listen to me. They
kept doing whatever
they wanted, following the stubborn
desires of their evil hearts…”
(Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“…Because sentence
against an evil work is not executed speedily …the
HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil [to CHOOSE their OWN
way]….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
“…[God was] ...being
patient for [King Nebuchadnezzar’s] ... SAKE (for 12 months). He
...[did]... not want [King Nebuchadnezzar]...to be destroyed, but want[ed]... [him]... to
repent…” (2 Peter 3: 9 NLT). “…[god,
the holy spirit]... is GOOD…”
(Psalm 107:1 KJV).
“…[God, the Holy Spirit] ...pardoneth iniquity,
and passeth by
the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever,
because HE
DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).“..The lord...[God] ... is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar CHOOSE
his OWN way.
King Nebuchadnezzar willfully
and voluntarily followed the decision he made to go his OWN way and not God’s
way. Nothing happened right away and everything was “seemingly” peaceful for
the next twelve months. “...When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is
safe to...[continue]... do wrong...”
(Ecclesiastes 8:11 NLT).
However,
twelve months later, “… a voice came from
heaven, “This is what is
decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken
from you. You
will be driven away from people and will live
with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the
ox…” (Danial
4 NLT).
Nebuchadnezzar decided
to follow his OWN WAY, which kept him on a course of action he willfully and
voluntary CHOSE to follow. “…he said, “Is not this the
great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel
4 NLT).
“HOWEVER,” he could
CHOOSE whichever path he wanted to travel, but he had no CONTROL over the
consequences of those choices or the EVENTS that followed. “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does
as he pleases ...with
the ...the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…He (Nebuchadnezzar)
was driven away from people (as God’s sovereign will declared) and ate grass
like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew
like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird….” (Daniel
4 NLT).
GOD SAYS: “… [HE is] …
watching over [his]… Word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my
word be
that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish
that which I please, and it
shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”
(Isaiah 55:11 KJV).
God, the
Holy Spirit, WILL do what he SAYS he will do.
God gave King
Nebuchadnezzar a human will to make choices and decisions as he pleased. “…They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil
hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
However, God’s sovereign will can TAKE AWAY the
situations and circumstances in which the king makes those choices and
decisions. “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). . “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases (not
mankind) with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
When King Nebuchadnezzar’s
prideful choices came up against God’s sovereign
will for “...a person upon HIS earth...”
the king recognized that ONLY God truly “…does whatever pleases HIM…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV).
“…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward
heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then
I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His
dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom
endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he
pleases with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say
to him: “What have you done?”
Now I,
Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything
he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble…” (Daniel
4 NIV).
King Nebuchadnezzar
could make his prideful CHOICES and DECISIONS, but he had NO POWER over the
consequences of those choices or decisions, especially if they went against
God’s sovereign will. He said: “….And those who walk in pride HE IS ABLE to humble… NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV).
King Nebuchadnezzar’s
story gives credence to the LIMITATION of human will, especially when it comes
up against God’s sovereign will. “…
[God, the Holy Spirit]… does as he pleases… No one
can hold back his hand or say to
him: “What have you
done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
The lesson is clear: “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “….HE IS ABLE to humble
(YOU)… [and]...NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that
worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
King Nebuchadnezzar was
warned through a prophetic word from God to DO RIGHT, but he did not LISTEN. “…
Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my
advice: Renounce your sins by doing
what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be
that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Many of God’s people
today are NOT listening to the Word of God or to God’s anointed leaders. They
THINK they are getting away with their PRIDEFUL CHOICES.“…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set
in them to do evil [to CHOOSE their OWN way]….”
(Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).
All of mankind
(redeemed and un-redeemed) has human will to MAKE whatever CHOICES they want.
However, if those CHOICES go against God’s sovereign
will they WON’T be able to control the consequences of those choices. “…Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….”
(Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For
he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…”
(Galatians 6:8 KJV).
“…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They
went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“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).
“…And
in the PROCESS of time IT (the CONSEQUENCES of your choices) CAME TO PASS…”
(Genesis 4:3 KJV).
THE BIBLE SAYS, NO BODY IS GETTING AWAY
WILL ANYTHING. “…Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….”
(Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he
that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…”
(Galatians 6:8 KJV).
“…Let NOT thine
heart ENVY sinners…” (Proverbs 23:17 KJV).
“…Fret not
thyself because of evildoers, neither
be thou envious against workers of iniquity. For they shall soon
be cut down like the grass….the little that a righteous man
hath is BETTER than the RICHES of the MANY wicked...” (Psalm 37:1-2,16
KJV).
“…the wicked shall perish….”
(Psalm 37:14, 15, & 21 KJV). “...they shall soon
be cut down like
the grass, and wither as the green herb . …" (Psalm 37:1-11
KJV).
“...FRET
NOT thyself because of him [or her]…who prospereth in his[or her]… way, because
of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“... Cease from anger, and forsake wrath…"
(Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“...FRET NOT thyself in any wise to do evil. …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“... For evildoers shall
be CUT OFF; …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
BAD EXPERIENCES HAPPEN TO THE RIGHTEOUS
AND UNRIGHTEOUS, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS WILL HAVE OVERWHELMING VICTORY. “...In the world ye shall
have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here
on earth you will have many trials and
sorrows. But take heart, because I
have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT).
“...Let
not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27
KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved
us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
“...[THUS]...Trust in the
Lord,
and [continue to]…do good, so
shalt thou dwell in the lands, and verily thou shall be fed. Delight thyself
also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy
ways unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth they righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as
the noonday. Rest
in the Lord, and wait patiently for him ...those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For
yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt
diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and
shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace…"
(Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
“…Noah
did everything just as God commanded him.
(Genesis 6:9-22 NIV).
After
the flood, “…God blessed Noah and
his sons,
saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. ….Everything
that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green
plants, I now give you everything…”
(Genesis 9 NIV).
HOWEVER, “…Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….”
(Galatians 6:7 KJV). “... evildoers ...shall soon be
cut down like
the grass, and wither as the green herb…" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV).
Human will is POWERFUL. A man and woman
can make decisions and CHOOSE any path of life their hearts desire.
But ALL choices have CONSEQUENCES,
especially the ones that go against God’s sovereign
will.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a CHOICE and
opportunity to change his decision, but DID NOT. He SUFFERED the consequences.“… a voice came from
heaven, “This is what is
decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken
from you. You
will be driven away from people and will live
with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the
ox…” (Danial
4 NLT). “…He
(Nebuchadnezzar) was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His
body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers
of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird….” (Daniel 4
NLT).
The centurion had a
CHOICE and opportunity to change his decision, but he DID NOT. He and his crew
SUFFERED the consequences. “…Paul began
to admonish them, and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be
with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but
also of our lives.” …”
(Acts 27:9-21 NASB).
“…. before very long there rushed down from the land a
violent wind, called Euraquilo;
and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven
along…” (Acts 27:15 NASB).
“…They used
supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor … they
began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the
ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
“….the
ship was caught
in it and could not face the
wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along…”
(Acts 27:15 NASB). “…They lost all control of the ship…”
(Acts 27:15 MSG). “…neither sun nor stars appeared
for many days, and no small storm was assailing us …”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).
Adam had a CHOICE and
opportunity to change his decision, but he DID NOT. He and his descendants
SUFFERED the consequences. “…Through
one man[s CHOICE]... SIN (entered into the world, and DEATH (spiritual death)THROUGH SIN, and
so death (spiritual death) passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).
“….I was born a sinner (I was born
with a sin nature and without the indwelling holy spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). “… ONE sinner (through his OWN choice) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…”
(Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
NOW
“…All have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature) and fallen short of the glory of God…
(fall short of the indwelling Holy
Spirit)...” (Romans 3:23).
They RICH man had a
CHOICE and opportunity to change his decision, but he DID NOT. He SUFFERED the
consequences and ended up in hell. “...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?” ... 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.’ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept
since I was a boy.” 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...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
“...There was a certain rich man, which was
clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there
was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And
desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table:
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the
angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth
Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And
he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).
Every human
being has been GIVEN a WILL. It is considered a FREE will, because it is FREE
to make decisions or CHOICES between one or more options.
King
Nebuchadnezzar, the Centurion, Adam, and the Rich man ALL had CHOICES to make
and they were FREE to make those choices.
King
Nebuchadnezzar chose NOT to renounce his sin as advised by God’s prophet. The
Centurion chose NOT to stay at the harbor suggested by Paul, God’s mouthpiece.
Adam chose NOT to refrain from eating the forbidden apple. The rich man chose
NOT to sell his goods to feed the poor.
God’s sovereign will was for King
Nebuchadnezzar to renounce his sin, for the Centurion to stay at the harbor,
for Adam to refrain from eating the forbidden apple, and for the rich man to
sell his goods.“… We can make our plans, but the Lord (God, the Holy Spirits) determines our
steps…” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT).
God
gave male and female a human will, but God, the Holy Spirit, who created human will,
has sovereign will.
“…[God,
the Holy Spirit]...does whatever pleases
him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “…
[God, the Holy Spirit]… does as he pleases… No one
can hold back his hand or say to
him...”
(Daniel 4 NLT).
“… Everything I plan will come to
pass, for I do whatever I wish…”
(Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).
God’s SOVEREIGN WILL has
the FINAL authority when it comes to the WAY God chooses to run HIS WORLD, HIS
HEAVENS, and the people dwelling upon his EARTH. “.... He (God, the Holy Spirit)
does as he pleases (not
mankind) with
the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God’s WORD gives HIS PEOPLE a righteous
option when it comes to MAKING CHOICES or DECISIONS. HIS Word is LIFE and
SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…
choose
LIFE …”
(Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
“…The [word of god]...is perfect
(maturing),
restoring the soul; The testimony of
the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing
the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the
LORD are true; they are righteous
altogether. They are more desirable
than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter
also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is
warned. In keeping them there is great reward …”
(Psalm 19:7-11 NASB). “…The steps of a good man are ordered
(directed) by the Lord (the WORD) …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).
BEING in the COVENANT relationship with
God, the HOLY SPIRIT is a CHOICE of
the human will too. “…Abide in Me, and I in you…” (John
15:4-6 NASB).
It was the redeem’s CHOICE to receive
Jesus in their heart and allowed him to be implanted there like a SEED. . “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark
4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…[Choose to]…receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James
1:21 NASB).
It is the redeem’s CHOICE to keep HIM implanted
in their hearts and let the SEED grow, by hearing the Word so it will produce
spiritual FRUIT “IN” and “through” them.“…It is
…God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work IN and THROUGH all
of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH
[you] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…”
(Galatians 5 NLT).
It is the redeem’s CHOICE to continue to
ABIDE with him forever and ever. “…Abide in
Me, and I in you…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
It is the redeem’s CHOICE to keep his
commandments and follow his
instructions. “...If ye keep my
commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in his love...”
(John 15:1-10 KJV). “…If you love me, you
will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15).
It is also the redeem’s CHOICE to depart
from him and FREELY choose to fall or walk away. “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!! (WHY?)
Giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in
hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry,
and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received
with thanksgiving of them which believe and KNOW THE TRUTH (or are in an
intimate covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit)...” (1
Timothy 4:1-3 KJV).
THUS, “…you
have left your first love (god, the holy spirit)…”
(Galatians 5:4 NLT & revelation 2:4 NASB).
“…You have fallen
away from God’s GRACE…”
(Galatians 5:4 NLT).
“… REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM
WHENCE THOU ARE FALLEN …”
(REVELATION 2:2 KJV).
God LOVES his BRIDE (the redeemed) and knows departing
from him will cause them considerable harm. “… For it
is impossible to bring back to repentance
those who
were once enlightened—those
who have
experienced the good things of heaven and shared
in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the
power of the age to come. …”
(Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
His BRIDE (the
redeemed) has SHARED intimate revelation knowledge with God through his indwelling Holy Spirit, they have
experienced his many goodnesses toward them, he has confirmed his power to
them, and has established himself as their GROOM, but STILL some have TURNED
away from God.“… those
...who ...turn away from God.. …”
(Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
“…It is impossible to bring such
people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God…”
(Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
“…they
themselves
are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …”
(Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
In a covenant
relationship BOTH parties CHOOSE to STAY together. If they DON’T choose to STAY
it only takes the decision of ONE party to BREAK the UNION.
EACH person CHOOSES to
carry they OWN weight in keeping the covenant relationship together. “…Choose (make a CHOICE) you
this day whom
ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
It doesn’t matter it
one person is chronically faithful, committed, loyal, loving, or ALL IN, if the
other one is NOT; it starts with a WILLFUL and VOLUNTARY CHOICE of their human
will. . “... If we sin
willfully AFTER... we have received the knowledge of THE TRUTH,...”
(Hebrews 10:26 KJV “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [choose to] ... DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3
KJV).
“…I HAVE
SOMEWHAT AGAINST [you] …[YOU HAVE]…LEFT [YOU]R… FIRST LOVE (which is God, the Holy Spirit…”
(REVELATION 2:4 KJV). “...REPENT
AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts
3:19 NASB).
“…Choose
(make a CHOICE) you this day whom ye will serve….”
(Joshua 24:15 KJV).
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