His Will Not Mine

His Will Not Mine By Tamara Haygood

When we take a look at the life of the Apostle Paul, we see that he didn’t start his religious journey believing that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. I see in the book of Acts chapter 9 the story of a man known as Saul of Tarsus. Who was Saul of Tarsus? We see in Philippians chapter 3, how Paul describes himself : “If others could be saved by what they are, certainly I could! For I went through the Jewish initiation ceremony when I was eight days old, having been born into a pure-blooded Jewish home that was a branch of the old original Benjamin family. So I was a real Jew if there ever was one! What’s more, I was a member of the Pharisees who demand the strictest obedience to every Jewish law and custom. And sincere? Yes, so much so that I greatly persecuted the Church; and I tried to obey every Jewish rule and regulation right down to the very last point.” (LB). When we are introduced to Saul in the book of Acts, he is on a mission to destroy those who are following Christ. In looking at this passage I have to believe he was very dedicated to his belief, he truly believed that he was doing the will of God. He describes himself as a Jew among Jews. Not only was Paul an expert in Jewish law, but he was taught by one of the greatest religious teachers in the ancient world at that time. Under a man named Gamaliel. Paul’s Jewish background and lineage was 100% Israelite, coming from the tribe of Benjamin, and even more, he was a Pharisee. He knew the law inside and out. Let’s look at Saul / Paul’s introduction: Acts 9:1 “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord [and relentless in his search for believers], went to the high priest, and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.” In his mind he knew the laws of God, he believed with every ounce of life inside of him that these followers of Jesus Christ were wrong. That they were a threat to the very ways of life that the Jewish people followed. He was not an evil man that was just out to destroy lives to mercilessly kill people. He sincerely believed what he was doing was what God wanted him to do. I think it’s safe to say he was zealous for the ways of God.

I believe many times that humans sometimes in their knowledge of God, perhaps even their relationship with God there becomes a certain amount of pride on their part, or perhaps even a feeling of superiority to others. They somehow feel that they have more insight into the ways of God than others therefore they feel that they have the right answers because of this strong opinion. We as believers can hear from God, typically in our hearts and through His Word, some have even experienced the audible voice of God. The Holy Spirit of God; gives specific gifts to people; prophecy, healing, words of knowledge to list a few. Although, these are gifts from God, and the people are merely vessels for God. At times people somehow begin to believe that they are “special,” perhaps more “special” than others… that my friends, is pride. And pride is definitely not a gift from God. Instead, it is a seed, a temptation, a device of our enemy, the devil. I dare say this is a place that we all need to be careful. Pride is a very subtle yet very destructive element. The enemy found his way out of Heaven very quickly due to his pride. You can read of his demise in Ezekiel 28. Satan’s desires were evil and the pride in him had brought him to a point where God had to deal with him. One thing I have noticed about God, is it’s not a one size fits all when it comes to the consequences of our sinful actions. Thankfully we know that God looks at our heart and he knows our intentions. And He does what he needs to, in order to remind us that He alone is God and He alone holds the answers. Not to mistake that sin is sin and the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God, if we choose to go our ways rather than follow God. But being mindful once again, that God knows each of us better than we know ourselves. We see different times where those who truly loved him and we’re following Him made decisions or spoke out of context. Perhaps there was a bit of pride at these times because they felt they had a relationship or knowledge of God that they could be so bold as to determine the right decision or the right words to speak. Thankfully we see this with Paul. God knew that his heart was right and his desire was to please God. He just needed to have some clear direction and to understand that these people that he wanted to persecute we’re really not the ones that were in the wrong. He needed a supernatural introduction to Jesus!

“As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon him! He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Paul! Paul! Why are you persecuting me?” ’Who is speaking, sir?’ Paul asked.

And the voice replied, ’I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up

and go into the city and await my further instructions.’

The men with Paul stood speechless with surprise, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! As Paul picked himself up off the ground, he found that he was blind. He had to be led into Damascus and was there three days, blind, going without food and water all that time. Now there was in Damascus a believer named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, ’Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord!’ he replied. And the Lord said, ’Go over to Straight Street and find the house of a man named Judas and ask there for Paul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now, for I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again!’

‘But Lord,’ exclaimed Ananias, ‘I have heard about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And we hear that he has arrest warrants with him from the chief priests, authorizing him to arrest every believer in Damascus!’ But the Lord said, “Go and do what I say. For Paul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the nations and before kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for me.” So Ananias went over and found Paul and laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Paul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit and get your sight back.” Instantly (it was as though scales fell from his eyes) Paul could see and was immediately baptized. Then he ate and was strengthened.” (Acts 9: 3-19). If God had not shown Paul the truth and set him straight. We would have not had much of the New Testament that we enjoy and that guides us in our walk. Paul accepted the correction from God and we have been blessed because of his obedience. Another example we see of this, was with Moses. Moses had been dealing with the children of Israel and was frustrated with them, and rightfully so. They were incessantly complaining about one thing or another. At one of these moments, they were complaining again about a lack of water. Previously, God had instructed Moses to strike a rock and water would come from the rock. This time God didn’t tell him to strike the rock but just speak to it. Moses out of his frustration decided to take things into his own hand and struck the rock. Numbers 20:20, ”The people of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin in April and camped at Kadesh, where Miriam died and was buried. There was not

enough water to drink at that place, so the people again rebelled against Moses and Aaron. A great mob formed, and they held a protest meeting. ‘Would that we too had died with our dear brothers the Lord killed!’ they shouted at Moses. ’You have deliberately brought us into this wilderness to get rid of us, along with our flocks and herds. Why did you ever make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this evil place? Where is the fertile land of wonderful crops—the figs, vines, and pomegranates you told us about? Why, there isn’t even water enough to drink!’ Moses and Aaron turned away and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face downward before the Lord; and the glory of Jehovah appeared to them.

And he said to Moses, ’Get Aaron’s rod; then you and Aaron must summon the people. As they watch, speak to that rock over there and tell it to pour out its water! You will give them water from a rock, enough for all the people and all their cattle!

So Moses did as instructed. He took the rod from the place where it was kept before the Lord; then Moses and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock; and he said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water from this rock?’ Then Moses lifted the rod and struck the rock twice, and water gushed out; and the people and their cattle drank. In the very next verse we see, that Moses should not have taken for granted his relationship with God. This very act was going to impact Moses in a way that he had not taken into account. Numbers 20:12 “But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe me and did not sanctify me in the eyes of the people of Israel, you shall not bring them into the land I have promised them!’” This may have seemed very harsh for God to have restricted Moses from being able to enter the promised land. Needless to say the Israelite’s journey was far from over at this point, God still had a job for Moses, to lead the people. However, God needed him to lead them with God’s instruction not with Moses’ overreacting and his own decisions. It Is always wise to remember that God is in charge; He has a different perspective than we do, as He sees the end from the beginning, He knows exactly what the consequences will be to the actions that will be taken. No matter how close we may be to God or feel that we are His ways are always right always or not. It is best that we follow His plan because His ways are right. Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles thatblock

right always or not. It is best that we follow His plan because His ways are right. Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles thatblock your way].” Another example is Jesus’ disciple, Peter. Peter was part of the three that seem to be Jesus’ inner circle. No doubt, Peter James and John all realized this. Once again, I think it’s easy when we feel that we have a particular closeness to God or we have seen God move on our behalf or perhaps we have had him touch our lives in a way that He had not touched many others. That we begin to feel that we can say or do things that we believe He surely would agree. We may even convince ourselves that He is directing us to it, because of our strong opinion. It is so very important that we do not move, speak or act outside of His direction. or specific leading. Decisions should be led by Him.

The Spirit of God had revealed to Peter something very special. We find this passage in Matthew 6:13-19 “ When Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ’Who are the people saying I am?’ ‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; some, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.’ Then he asked them, ’Who do you think I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘The Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ ‘ God has blessed you, Simon, son of Jonah,’ Jesus said, ’for my Father in Hea en has personally revealed this to you—this is not from any human source. You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever doors you lock on earth shall be locked in heaven; and whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in Heaven!’” Wow! Jesus tells Peter that God has just revealed something to him very important in fact this is a point where Peter who was known as Simon is also having his name changed. Much the same as we see in the passage in Acts with Saul being changed to Paul. One of the qualities of Peter that was very good but at the same time could be very bad was his zealousness. As he immediately turned around and got himself into trouble right after this. We find this in, Matthew 6:21 “ From then on Jesus began to speak plainly to his disciples about going to Jerusalem, and what would happen to him there—that he would suffer at the hands of the Jewish leaders, that he would be killed, and that three days later he would be raised to life again. But Peter took him aside to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven forbid, sir,’ he said. ‘This is not going to happen to you!’

right always or not. It is best that we follow His plan because His ways are right. Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles thatblock your way].” Another example is Jesus’ disciple, Peter. Peter was part of the three that seem to be Jesus’ inner circle. No doubt, Peter James and John all realized this. Once again, I think it’s easy when we feel that we have a particular closeness to God or we have seen God move on our behalf or perhaps we have had him touch our lives in a way that He had not touched many others. That we begin to feel that we can say or do things that we believe He surely would agree. We may even convince ourselves that He is directing us to it, because of our strong opinion. It is so very important that we do not move, speak or act outside of His direction. or specific leading. Decisions should be led by Him. The Spirit of God had revealed to Peter something very special. We find this passage in Matthew 6:13-19 “ When Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ’Who are the people saying I am?’ ‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; some, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.’ Then he asked them, ’Who do you think I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘The Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ ‘ God has blessed you, Simon, son of Jonah,’ Jesus said, ’for my Father in Hea en has personally revealed this to you—this is not from any human source. You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever doors you lock on earth shall be locked in heaven; and whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in Heaven!’” Wow! Jesus tells Peter that God has just revealed something to him very important in fact this is a point where Peter who was known as Simon is also having his name changed. Much the same as we see in the passage in Acts with Saul being changed to Paul. One of the qualities of Peter that was very good but at the same time could be very bad was his zealousness. As he immediately turned around and got himself into trouble right after this. We find this in, Matthew 6:21 “ From then on Jesus began to speak plainly to his disciples about going to Jerusalem, and what would happen to him there—that he would suffer at the hands of the Jewish leaders, that he would be killed, and that three days later he would be raised to life again. But Peter took him aside to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven forbid, sir,’ he said. ‘This is not going to happen to you!’ Jesus turned on Peter and said, ’Get away from me, you Satan! You are a dangerous 53

right always or not. It is best that we follow His plan because His ways are right. Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles thatblock your way].” Another example is Jesus’ disciple, Peter. Peter was part of the three that seem to be Jesus’ inner circle. No doubt, Peter James and John all realized this. Once again, I think it’s easy when we feel that we have a particular closeness to God or we have seen God move on our behalf or perhaps we have had him touch our lives in a way that He had not touched many others. That we begin to feel that we can say or do things that we believe He surely would agree. We may even convince ourselves that He is directing us to it, because of our strong opinion. It is so very important that we do not move, speak or act outside of His direction. or specific leading. Decisions should be led by Him. The Spirit of God had revealed to Peter something very special. We find this passage in Matthew 6:13-19 “ When Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ’Who are the people saying I am?’ ‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; some, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.’ Then he asked them, ’Who do you think I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘The Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ ‘ God has blessed you, Simon, son of Jonah,’ Jesus said, ’for my Father in Hea en has personally revealed this to you—this is not from any human source. You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever doors you lock on earth shall be locked in heaven; and whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in Heaven!’” Wow! Jesus tells Peter that God has just revealed something to him very important in fact this is a point where Peter who was known as Simon is also having his name changed. Much the same as we see in the passage in Acts with Saul being changed to Paul. One of the qualities of Peter that was very good but at the same time could be very bad was his zealousness. As he immediately turned around and got himself into trouble right after this. We find this in, Matthew 6:21 “ From then on Jesus began to speak plainly to his disciples about going to Jerusalem, and what would happen to him there—that he would suffer at the hands of the Jewish leaders, that he would be killed, and that three days later he would be raised to life again. But Peter took him aside to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven forbid, sir,’ he said. ‘This is not going to happen to you!’

Jesus turned on Peter and said, ’Get away from me, you Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are thinking merely from a human point of view, and not from God’s.’” I’m not sure what was going through Peter’s mind if he felt that all of a sudden he had become so close to the Son of God that he had the ability to rebuke and tell Him what He needed to be doing. At times it seems that Peter spoke before he really thought about what was coming out of his mouth. I’m not certain of this, it is just my personal speculation. The point of what I want to get to is, first of all we need to be on guard of ourselves never to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Romans 3:1-3, “ Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].” Secondly, we are never so important that we know more than God nor are we more important than other people. God will deal with us as He did with those I mentioned before, He knows our hearts He knows when He needs to reel us back in. No matter what your calling or titled may be. It is best that we stay humble before God. I see that Peter must have learned this lesson as he writes to us in 1 Peter 5:1-6, “‘Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed: shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm; not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation]. And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous 55

*** Join in on a weekly Bible Study for Women taught by Tamara. She goes LIVE on Facebook at 6:30 pm EST. Restoration for Activation FB group

pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time.’” Also, I want to encourage you to be wise and cautious of those who want to speak very loudly and their opinions of what they believe God has said. God has placed His Holy Spirit inside of each of us as born-again believers, and He is our teacher, to each of us personally. Again, we need to weigh out all that we learn by the Word of God which is our source of Truth. Please do not get caught up in personalities, no matter how spiritual no matter how many great works they may be able to perform. They are not God and all people are fallible. Anyone who claims they know all of the answers, or teaching things that do not line up with the Word of God. We need to disconnect ourselves from that source. There are several scriptures that warn against false teachers. Here is one in Acts 20:25 - 32, “‘And now, listen carefully: I know that none of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will see me again. For that reason I testify to you on this [our parting] day that I am innocent of the blood of all people. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose and plan of God. Take care and be on guard for yourselves and for the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd (tend, feed, guide) the church of God which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I am gone, [false teachers like] ferocious wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; even from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse and distorted things, to draw away the disciples after themselves [as their followers]. Therefore be continually alert, remembering that for three years, night or day, I did not stop admonishing and advising each one [of you] with tears. And now I commend you to God [placing you in His protective, loving care] and [I commend you] to the word of His grace [the counsel and promises of His unmerited favor]. His grace is able to build you up and to give you the [rightful] inheritance among all those who are sanctified [that is, among those who are set apart for God’s purpose—all believers].’” I believe that in the days ahead there will be opportunities for many to confuse Christians. There will be things that may sound incredibly hard to believe. Things that we have not known of before; I encourage you to spend more time yourself with God and his Word. Don’t become prideful if He begins to do marvelous things in your life instead keep yourself humble before Him. Also, keep in mind, that without God we can do nothing…not even breathe. Be patient in listening and obeying Him. Do not get enticed with people no matter how wonderful they may seem to be; they are not God and they can be deceived and misled. Do you know what verse is found in the very center of the Bible: Psalms 118:8, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord Than to trust in man.”

Be blessed my friend, Matthew 5:3, “ Blessed (happy,to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!”

summer bod

To get that summer bod that we all strive for, it is important to keep that core engaged and active. Below are ab exercises that you can and should do daily to get your abs to where you want them to be. Start off with as many as you can. Keep track and add to it daily. Some of these will workout the entire body as well.