GOD’S WORD FOR JULY 18 ~ ~ Psalm 148:7, 9-10~ ~ “Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl.”

Much of the world’s surface is covered by rainforest, and in a rainforest, the Earth’s living surface is covered by a second living habitat some 50 to 150 feet in the air. Here, thousands of species of plants and animals live and breed for generations without ever touching the ground!

It is a whole separate world, sometimes 100 feet thick, and 150 feet in the air, with the animals having no knowledge of another world beneath them!

This canopy is supported by huge trees that usually have no branches for the first 50 or more feet. They grow so close together and their tops are so dense that sunlight seldom reaches the jungle floor. There is an entire ecosystem in the canopy, with monkeys, of course (but they never drop to the ground), mice, frogs and even earthworms who are born, live and die without ever touching the ground, or even getting near it, nor seeing it. Likewise, the creatures on the forest floor have no knowledge of the world above them!!! The rainforest canopy is truly a second environment for life high above the surface of the Earth!

Unusual environments like the rainforest canopy show us that the creativity of God is unlimited. He can create living things to carry on successful lives in any environment. He can create varied communities that interact and depend upon each other within each unique environment, known or unkn own to each. His creation is truly a wonder!

There are two layers of life on this earth too. There are two spiritual world, two schools of thought, and two activity levels. If we are saved, we are in a different environment. We are not citizens of this world. We should be living in communion with our Savior—above this world — and never touch our feet to the domain of this corrupt world. We have to live in it, just as the two eco-systems live within each rainforest, but we are told not to be part of it. This, in Romans 12:2

“And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

When we were saved, our spirits came alive, but our minds yet have to be renewed and taught to catch up to our enlivened spirits, and to disconnect from the thinking of this world. It is an ongoing process, and can only be done as we make the decision and accomplish it by the power of God.

A large part of this is becoming dependent upon God for everything, instead of ourselves or the world system. Jesus said: Luke 12:24 ~ ~ “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are you better than the birds?”

He also said: ~ ~ Luke 12:27 ~ ~ “Consider the lilies how they grow: they don’t work, nor spin their cloth, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

Solomon was the richest man who ever lived. He was known for his elaborate clothing and environment. But the soft pedal of a flower is so intricate, so perfect, that no one could create a material that even comes close.

Again, Jesus said: ~ ~Mt 6:6 ~ ~ “ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God” He guides even the smallest creatures in His great plan.

Luke 12:30-32~ ~ “ For all these things (material things) do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that you have need of these things.

 But rather seek the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

That last line says it all. We shouldn’t be concerned about anything, because He LOVES to provide for us, protect us, and guide us every day of our lives.

The other thing that separates us is priorities. Jesus taught to be single-minded, focusing on the Kingdom of God and not on this world. Paul tells us this:

2 Corinthians 6:17 ~~ “Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate….”

Jesus said it this way in Luke 11:34 (Amplified version for clarity) ~ ~ “The eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive, focused on God], your whole body also is full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. But when it is bad [spiritually blind], your body also is full of darkness [devoid of God’s word].”

Our perception of Jesus, of the Father and the Holy Spirit, depend upon our focus, and therefore, our entire relationship with the Trinity that will affect our position in eternity.

The creatures in the upper world of the rainforest know nothing of the lower world and vice versa, but we do know the difference, and the dangers of blending in. It is our responsibility as children of the King, to know the difference and react according to the commands of our Savior.

Heavenly Father, please enlighten and empower us to choose the side of Light, please don’t let us slowly slip into the realm of the darkness of this world one small decision at a time until we can’t turn back. Please put Your conviction on each of us to turn away, replacing the words and sights of this world with Your Pure Word that will transform us and bring great rewards for eternity. We praise You that You want to take our hands and gently pull us aside. That is possible because of the sacrifice of Your Dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, in whose wonderful name, we ask these things. Amen

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