PEARL of GREAT price

 

JESUS speaks of a parable:

Matthew 13:45-46

King James Version

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven 

is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, 

went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

What is that "pearl of great price"?

Why would you give up everything for it?

Why would you "sell" everything you own, just to "purchase"  it?

Here's what SPIRIT taught me:

JESUS is that "pearl of great price".

In Him is EVERYTHING.

Everything that you're seeking.

Everything that you're missing.

Everything that you long for.

JESUS is all of that.

He represents life, love, joy, peace, security, certainty.

All that is GOD.

Why wouldn't you give up everything, just to have the LORD?

The world withholds everything from you.

JESUS gives you EVERYTHING, freely.

He carries ALL the answers to our questions.

Without Him, we can do nothing.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

In Him is our salvation.

Acts 4:12

King James Version

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven 

given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Every person has a hole in his heart.

A gap that remains unfulfilled.

If it were not so, why else the many distractions of the world?

The deadening addiction to lust, and alcohol?

The addiction to mind-altering substances?

The search for fulfillment?

The search for truth?

The search for peace?

People even go up on a mountain to find out.

In a desire to get away from the world's troubles.

And the troubles the world bring.

From chaos, confusion, and cruelty.

To discord, the dissonance, and death.

Hoping to find answers.

The world's too noisy.

Too many cacophonic voices vying for our attention.

Too many demands upon people's life, and time.

We need the silence -- what are we not seeing?

We need to review the work they do -- is it all worth it?

We need to review relationships -- are we in the right one?

Trying to make sense of it all.

Looking to a "higher being" for help.

Looking for the perfect "solution".

Looking for the "ULTIMATE" answer.

Knowing deep in our hearts, such a thing exists.

But what, we don't know what.

Everything is shielded from us.

The world tries its best to keep us ignorant.

Until the SPIRIT of GOD wakes us up.

And tells us about JESUS.

Then everything changes.

As I review this article, getting this far as I write it, SPIRIT alerts me to my own paradoxical experience:

People go up to the mountain 

to communicate with GOD.

In my case, He made me reach 

rock bottom to do that.

We don't need a "high".

We need a "low".

The lowest, if possible.

The supposedly scariest part of our lives.

And yet, only in adversity can that pearl of great price be revealed.

Bear note, the world defines that pearl differently.

It is material.

GOD defines it differently, too.

It is spiritual.

JESUS, our salvation, is that "pearl of great price".

As the pearl of GREAT price, JESUS took on the LOWEST form:

Isaiah 53:2-4

King James Version

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, 

and as a root out of a dry ground: 

he hath no form nor comeliness; 

and when we shall see him, 

there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; 

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: 

and we hid as it were our faces from him; 

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, 

and carried our sorrows: 

yet we did esteem him stricken, 

smitten of God, and afflicted.

Which goes in consonance with what JESUS said:

Matthew 23:11

King James Version

11 But he that is greatest among you 

shall be your servant.

May we recognize the PEARL , that is our LORD!

If you are born again, SPIRIT will make sure you do.

JESUS told us about GOD's SPIRIT:

John 15:26 

King James Version

26 But when the Comforter is come, 

whom I will send unto you from the Father, 

even the Spirit of truth, 

which proceedeth from the Father, 

he shall testify of me:

How else did I know JESUS is that "pearl of great price"?

Through SPIRIT.

John 14:26 

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

As we're already on the subject of "pearls", let's meditate upon this other very-telling verse from JESUS:

Matthew 7:6

King James Version

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, 

neither cast ye your pearls before swine, 

lest they trample them under their feet, 

and turn again and rend you.

Once we know about JESUS, we share with the world.

Many will ignore us, but we must keep going.

And let the HOLY SPIRIT reach whom He is tasked to reach.

If you're reading this, then SPIRIT chose you.

In that, is my peace, as workman.

GOD's will be done.

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JESUS wants us

The LORD JESUS said:

Matthew 12:30

King James Version

30 He that is not with me is against me; 

and he that gathereth not with me 

scattereth abroad.

Are you where you need to be?

Or are you someplace else?

Are you constantly wandering?

Looking for something, which seems elusive?

Feeling that you are seeking a home?

Feeling that you need to be home?

Feeling that you're not home?

Feeling empty?

What is home for most of us?

A family that loves us.

A place of comfort and security.

A place to grow in.

What is home for the born again?

JESUS.

2 Corinthians 3:5

King James Version

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves 

to think any thing as of ourselves; 

but our sufficiency is of God;

If you want peace, you need to be home with JESUS.

This is how much JESUS wants you:

Matthew 9:10-13

King James Version

10 And it came to pass, 

as Jesus sat at meat in the house, 

behold, many publicans and sinners came 

and sat down with him and his disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw it, 

they said unto his disciples, 

Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

12 But when Jesus heard that, 

he said unto them, 

They that be whole need not a physician, 

but they that are sick.

13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, 

I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: 

for I am not come to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

Luke 19:10

King James Version

10 For the Son of man is come to seek 

and to save that which was lost.

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.

Why are you all over the place?

Come home to JESUS now.

Know of His works.

Know of His Word.

Know of His love.

In JESUS is peace.

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It's ALL about GOD

 

Proverbs 25:2

King James Version

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: 

but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

Five years ago, I started this blog.

I just wanted to know the core of my being.

Who was I?

What was I?

What was I here for?

What was I meant to do?

What was I meant to know?

I didn't know what answers I'd uncover.

I just knew I had to find out for myself.

I had no expectations; only lots of questions.

Perhaps, I'd been searching all my life.

I can't seem to follow the mainstream.

Where everything's cut and dried.

And you followed a set pattern.

Well, I loved uncovering those patterns.

So I don't end up a pattern.

And that I may alert you, too.

I wanted something original.

I just felt it in my bones.

That there was something more.

Thus, I called this blog, "Archaeologist of the Soul".

When you embark on a soul dig, you know it's going to be deep.

And yes, maybe messy.

Maybe even painful.

Yes, it was all that.

But you know what?

It's all so worth it.

After over 90 blogs, I can say that.

Less than a year after I embarked on this soul project of mine, GOD heard the cry of my heart.

He heard the repentant heart.

He knew I wanted real change.

He knew I wanted absolute truth.

What other truth would be there, but His?

He knew I was finally ripe, and ready, for His TRUTH.

All I know now, I learned through SPIRIT, and Scripture.

Only because GOD made me born again.

That was essential, otherwise I won't have SPIRIT to teach me.

He made the Bible clear for me.

That's the weirdest thing, in fact.

Where before, I'd circle the Bible, not knowing quite how to go about it, one day, it was made plain to me.

For every question I had, I'd turn to the Bible.

Verses were given me, to support every idea, or article.

It was, in fact, astounding that I got that far at all.

Considering my initial ignorance of Scripture.

I understood the Bible, as if I was a student of theology.

Which, of course, I wasn't.

But once the HOLY SPIRIT is your teacher, things are made plain.

Finally, I got to understand about GOD, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT.

Finally, I got to understand man's beginnings, even where he may end up in.

Finally, I learned EVERYTHING was ALL about GOD.

The Bible was His story.

Of how He created everything, and ruled everything.

Of how He was the Alpha, and the Omega -- the beginning, and the end.

Of how He created everything through His WORD, which happens to be JESUS.

Of how He created everything for His GLORY.

It was never about us.

It was always about GOD.

Everything was for His pleasure, for His delight, for His GLORY.

Just that the jealous cherub wanted all of that power.

Which he can't have, of course.

Still, he tried, through man.

And that's why there's so much trouble.

But JESUS is our HOPE, and believers will be just fine.

Just in case we don't know, or we forget, king David reminds us Who GOD Is:

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

King James Version

10 Wherefore David blessed the Lord 

before all the congregation: 

and David said, 

Blessed be thou, 

Lord God of Israel our father, 

for ever and ever.

11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, 

and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: 

for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; 

thine is the kingdom, O Lord, 

and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honour come of thee, 

and thou reignest over all; 

and in thine hand is power and might; 

and in thine hand it is to make great, 

and to give strength unto all.

13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, 

and praise thy glorious name.

And Who better to exalt the FATHER, than His SON:

John 17:3-4

King James Version

3 And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work 

which thou gavest me to do.

There can only be peace in us, if we obey GOD.

If we bow to His will.

And believe He knows best.

For He really does.

JESUS taught us all that.

He lived what He taught.

SPIRIT reminds us of what JESUS taught.

It's time we let the lessons stick.

And worship the ONE, TRUE GOD.

Enough of other gods who cause us to stray.

And who make us worship them, or ourselves.

There is only the ONE, TRUE GOD.

The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Only He deserves praise, glory, and worship.

And one day, all doubts will cease.

All strife will cease.

All suffering will cease.

Only because we've finally acknowledged GOD.

That's a certainty.

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It's been FOUR years

 

Ezekiel 36:34

King James Version

34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, 

whereas it lay desolate 

in the sight of all that passed by.

Today, I celebrate GOD.

For making me born again, nearly four years ago.

My life changed radically -- for the better.

As expected, when GOD takes charge.

I am thrilled to document my progress.

Which I do everyday.

At least in my heart.

For it's been the most exciting part of my life.

The most worthwhile part of my being.

A living testimony of His power.

Blessings forevermore.

I know GOD loves me.

He saved me from all my sins.

I feel and know that forgiveness.

If GOD had not forgiven me, He wouldn't have put me to task.

He gave me TONS of work to do.

It's been non-stop writing everyday.

So much so I had not realized it's been four years already.

That's how it is to work for GOD.

Luke 12:48

King James Version

48 But he that knew not, 

and did commit things worthy of stripes, 

shall be beaten with few stripes. 

For unto whomsoever much is given, 

of him shall be much required: 

and to whom men have committed much, 

of him they will ask the more.

A true born again is devoted to JESUS.

You're taught by SPIRIT.

You're eager, excited, expectant.

Dedicated, devoted, diligent.

Childlike, cheerful, creative.

Energetic, enthusiastic, ecstatic.

GOD's WORD feeds you daily.

Psalm 119:97

King James Version

97 O how love I thy law! 

it is my meditation all the day.

You lose track of time.

You don't focus on money.

You don't focus on things of the world.

You focus on JESUS alone.

The world's weird ways don't bother you.

As born again, you know what to believe in.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ,

 seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

You know the Rapture can happen any moment.

Thus, you would want to be right with the LORD.

You don't have room for complacency, or laziness.

Every moment is devoted to knowing GOD's WORD.

For the responsiblity to share the gospel is there.

Hebrews 10:26

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

There is delight, discipline, and determination.

To get GOD's WORD right.

To get your life right.

To warn others, too.

That all may be with JESUS during the Rapture.

And be spared from the Tribulation.

No person in their right mind would want to be in it.

It's the task given me.

To prepare you for the Rapture.

As many others have been tasked to do.

When all is said and done, your heart will be at peace.

Knowing you've done all you possibly could.

To watch, warn, wait.

And finally be with the LORD.

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LIFE with GOD

 

Psalm 16:11

King James Version

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: 

in thy presence is fulness of joy; 

at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Is life with GOD fun?

Is it really filled with promises?

Is it really all it's cut out to be?

Yes, and more.

Believers are promised eternal life.

Believers will be part of the Rapture.

Believers will experience true happiness.

We are called to believe in JESUS.

We are called to obey GOD's laws.

We are called to be born again.

We are called to know Scripture.

We are called to share the gospel.

We are called to live by the Bible.

We are called to love GOD.

With everything we've got.

JESUS spoke of this love:

Mark 12:29-30

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, 

Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

JESUS also called us to love each other.

Mark 12:31

King James Version

31 And the second is like, namely this, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

There is none other commandment greater than these.

And yes, living with GOD means we live in all simplicity.

Matthew 16:24

King James Version

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 

If any man will come after me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross, 

and follow me.

It doesn't mean we don't get happy.

The curious thing is that when GOD makes you born again, you embrace simplicity.

It becomes second nature to you.

You'd rather focus on GOD, than on things of the world.

Worldly things hold no appeal at all.

SPIRIT teaches you to focus on JESUS.

You begin to know how to really live.

In a way that pleases GOD.

In a way that saves your soul.

In a way that cares for others.

What is life if it is lived for self alone?

Life with GOD will be a life of service.

You don't live for self alone.

There's GOD, and others.

JESUS was clear about things:

love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength

love thy neighbour as thyself

deny himself

take up his cross

follow me

Who better to teach us, than JESUS?

He lived all that He taught.

Nothing is theory.

It's all practice.

That's why GOD sent his Son.

That JESUS may show us how to live.

And how to worship GOD.

Once you're born again, it will be a delight following JESUS.

Everything becomes automatic.

Voluntary.

Magnificent.

There's even no question about it, for SPIRIT will guide you.

You will not even want to sin anymore.

You just can't.

You won't be able to bear displeasing the LORD.

You'd be so shamefaced to do so.

Especially now that you know His laws.

Hebrews 10:26

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Like a dutiful child, you will only want to please the LORD.

Knowing He set the rules for us to live in this sin-filled world.

Joy comes from knowing how to live each moment.

Or in knowing how to love.

And getting things right.

There will be no fear.

Only TRUST in the LORD JESUS.

And living a life of faith.

Where the world tells you to turn this way, SPIRIT teaches you better.

Isaiah 30:21

King James Version

21 And thine ears 

shall hear a word behind thee, 

saying, 

This is the way, 

walk ye in it, 

when ye turn to the right hand, 

and when ye turn to the left.

Scripture -- GOD's WORD -- will fill your heart.

For every question, for every hurt, the Bible has an answer.

Most importantly, it presents what is acceptable to GOD.

All these come from having a life with GOD.

Pray to be born again.

That you may know all these things.

That your own life would be a shining example.

Of how GOD's GLORY can live in you, and through you.

Through His Son, JESUS.

And by the ministrations of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Just so you know, I had great delight in writing this article.

If having 89 blogs and tons of articles are any indication at all.

I just can't stop writing about GOD.

His SPIRIT knew I waited for this a long time.

To finally share ABSOLUTE truth with you.

There is no life more real, more fun, than a LIFE with GOD.

I speak of what I've come to know, in the nearly 47 months GOD made me born again.

Being BORN AGAIN rocks!

Our life is never "on the rocks".

Your marriage will never be "on the rocks" if JESUS rules your life.

Instead, a born again's life is founded upon the "ROCK":

Deuteronomy 32:4

King James Version

4 He is the Rock, 

his work is perfect: 

for all his ways are judgment: 

a God of truth and without iniquity, 

just and right is he.

1 Corinthians 10:4

King James Version

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: 

for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: 

and that Rock was Christ.

Never again shall we stray.

Never again shall we be confused.

Never again shall we sin.

We live for JESUS now.

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RESPONSIBILITY towards CHRIST

JESUS declared:

John 14:21

King James Version

21 He that hath my commandments, 

and keepeth them, 

he it is that loveth me: 

and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, 

and I will love him, 

and will manifest myself to him.

CHRIST died for us on the cross.

He rose on the third day.

It is love, like no other.

How must we respond?

What is expected of us?

Here's what Scripture says:

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

King James Version

9 Wherefore we labour, that, 

whether present or absent, 

we may be accepted of him.

10 For we must all appear 

before the judgment seat of Christ; 

that every one may receive the things done in his body, 

according to that he hath done, 

whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:11

King James Version

11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, 

we persuade men; 

but we are made manifest unto God; 

and I trust also are made manifest 

in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:15

King James Version

15 And that he died for all, 

that they which live 

should not henceforth live unto themselves, 

but unto him which died for them, 

and rose again.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

King James Version

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, 

as though God did beseech you by us: 

we pray you in Christ's stead, 

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, 

who knew no sin; 

that we might be made 

the righteousness of God in him.

In SUMMARY, our responsibility towards CHRIST means:

we labor, that "we may be accepted of him"

"we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ"

in fear of the Lord, "we persuade men"

we who live, do not live for ourselves, "but unto him which died" for us, and "rose again"

"we are ambassadors for Christ"

we are to be "reconciled to God"

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Man's INGRATITUDE

 

2 Timothy 3:2

King James Version

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, 

covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, 

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Do people say thank you, enough?

Have we thanked GOD enough?

How do we express our gratitude?

Scripture commands we be grateful.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

King James Version

18 In every thing give thanks: 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus 

concerning you.

The Bible has a very striking example.

Of gratitude.

Versus ingratitude:

Mark 5:1-16

King James Version

5 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, 

into the country of the Gadarenes.

2 And when he was come out of the ship, 

immediately there met him out of the tombs 

a man with an unclean spirit,

3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; 

and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

4 Because that he had been often bound 

with fetters and chains, 

and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, 

and the fetters broken in pieces: 

neither could any man tame him.

5 And always, night and day, 

he was in the mountains, 

and in the tombs, crying, 

and cutting himself with stones.

6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, 

he ran and worshipped him,

7 And cried with a loud voice, 

and said, 

What have I to do with thee, Jesus, 

thou Son of the most high God? 

I adjure thee by God, 

that thou torment me not.

8 For he said unto him, 

Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

9 And he asked him, 

What is thy name? 

And he answered, 

saying, 

My name is Legion: 

for we are many.

10 And he besought him much 

that he would not send them away out of the country.

11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains 

a great herd of swine feeding.

12 And all the devils besought him, 

saying, 

Send us into the swine, 

that we may enter into them.

13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. 

And the unclean spirits went out, 

and entered into the swine: 

and the herd ran violently down a steep place 

into the sea, 

(they were about two thousand;) 

and were choked in the sea.

14 And they that fed the swine fled, 

and told it in the city, and in the country. 

And they went out to see what it was that was done.

15 And they come to Jesus, 

and see him that was possessed with the devil, 

and had the legion, 

sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: 

and they were afraid.

16 And they that saw it told them 

how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, 

and also concerning the swine.

How did the people react to the LORD's miracle?

Mark 5:17

King James Version

17 And they began to pray him 

to depart out of their coasts.

How did the healed man react to JESUS?

Mark 5:18-20

King James Version

18 And when he was come into the ship, 

he that had been possessed with the devil 

prayed him that he might be with him.

19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, 

but saith unto him, 

Go home to thy friends, 

and tell them 

how great things the Lord hath done for thee, 

and hath had compassion on thee.

20 And he departed, 

and began to publish in Decapolis 

how great things Jesus had done for him: 

and all men did marvel.

Which one are you?

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