I’ve Been Hearing

I’ve been hearing a lot about sheep recently! I’ve seen great flocks of sheep on my travels down under! Lamb was even served on the plane on the way back! Several sermons I listened to, referenced scriptures regarding The Good Shepherd!  Even last night my Pastor, Chet Murrell said something that stuck with me:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬) “They won’t follow after a stranger’s voice!” CM

It gave me cause to ponder why so many I know follow after preachers or leaders of big ministries that are so off in their teachings!

So I did a search on sheep and found this:

“My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.” Jeremiah‬ ‭50:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s hard being a sheep. The grass is always sweeter on the other side of the fence, however the fence is there for a reason; the sheep’s protection! 

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sheep are notoriously stupid! That’s why they need a shepherd. They will wander off, if given the chance, in search for what they desire! 

“For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel‬ ‭34:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I love the story of how the Shepherd will sometimes have to break a lamb’s leg to keep it from wandering off into harms way. Then he has to carry it on his shoulders until the leg heals. Meanwhile, the lamb has laid on his shoulder, listening to his Shepherd’s heartbeat for so long,  he’s forever bonded to him. When the lamb can walk,  he stays under the Shepherd’s feet; He can hardly peal him off! 

That is how we are, when God has literally had to pull us out of the gutter where we were drowning in our sins. We cling fiercely to His robe and follow closely to His path!  And because of our bond if we should stray He calls us back, for we know His voice!

“How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?”  Matthew‬ ‭18:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So how does one discern The Master’s voice if one hasn’t had his leg broke? Can it even be done?

I believe it comes down to what you desire! If you are looking to just have an easier life; or if you go to church because that’s the way you were raised; or if you are just wanting to network, then you are more apt to follow anyone who says things that make you feel good!  That kind of “Shepherd” won’t break your leg! He’s more interested in keeping you and your checkbook than looking out for your eternal salvation. 

The one who tells you to “examine your heart” and calls sin “sin” is the one that is not a hireling! He will willing risk offending you, to keep you on the straight path, if he sees you wander off!

Following Jesus if difficult! It’s not supposed to be easy! He had it hard; He was rejected, He was beaten; He was crucified! He tells us - “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬b ‭KJV‬‬

It’s about our heart! What we want! 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we are His - He is all we want! 

When we want the world; if that is our desire, we will fall for anything or anyone who promises it! We may get it here, but we will lose everything in the long run!

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able . . . 

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke‬ ‭13:24, 26-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He must be your everything or He is nothing!

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 3/15/18

It’s Just A

"It's just a . . ."

How often do we believe that lie? 

It's just a movie. It's just a book. It's just a little bit of cake. It was just a little over the speed limit. It's just a little pill. It's just one drink. 

It's just a little sin. 

"Just" is an interesting word; of which there are several definitions; one being:

4. As an adverb:

"You use just to indicate that something is no more important, interesting, or difficult, for example, than you say it is, especially when you want to correct a wrong idea that someone may get or has already got.

[emphasis]

It's just a suggestion.

It's not just a financial matter.

You can tell just by looking at me that I am all right.

The reason women are drinking is just because they like it.

Synonyms: merely, but, only, simply 

"Just" only a little word; of no importance; merely four letters; I mean it's "just” a word! Right? 

The devil wants you to think that, but The Bible has a great deal to say about "words!"

Jesus speaking: “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew‬ ‭12:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matthew‬ ‭24:35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” Proverbs‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew‬ ‭12:34‬ ‭KJV

Of course IF you think The Word Of God is "just a book", then my words will not mean much to you! 

That's another lie from the devil. He wants you to think that what you read has no impact on eternity; that now is all there is! He wants you to think, that watching a movie that has "just" a little witchcraft or "just" a little porn, will be okay. I mean, "God knows your heart!" Right?

(If you believe in God)

Here's a few more definitions of "just!"

"Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.

‘fighting for a just cause’

"(of treatment) deserved or appropriate in the circumstances.

‘we all get our just deserts'

"(of an opinion or appraisal) well founded; justifiable.

‘these simplistic approaches have been the subject of just criticism’"

So, with regards to our disregarding God's Commandments; a "just" God, would be "justifiable" in His sentence, and we should all get our "just desert!"

Praise God for His mercy and His grace! 

“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭12:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalms‬ ‭119:103‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs‬ ‭10:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.” Isaiah‬ ‭26:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Forgive us Father for not rightly considering our words or handling Your Words!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 3/6/17

Do You Know

Do you know how you "know" something, but you can't put your finger on it? 

It's a question that's been nagging you, and then all of a sudden you have a revelation of the answer!

Got it this morning!

We all have to come to the point that we understand that we are a wretch before we can surrender all! 

It was easy for me to "know" I was wretched. I have half jokingly said, in my Testimony, "the only thing I hadn't done was commit  murder or rob a bank"; I was that bad! It was easy for me to admit I had done nothing to deserve my salvation! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was a gift from God, because I truly deserved to burn in hell!

But what about the good church goer, who has always tried to do right? The prodigal's brother so to speak! 

We all sing: "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!" But is there a "knowing" in everyone's heart of his wretchedness? I don't think so. 

What does it take for one to come to the realization that he brings nothing to the table? 

The Bible states it many times;

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,” Titus‬ ‭3:5‬a ‭KJV‬‬

“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is huge difference in knowing you are wretched and believing the lies of the devil. He lies when he tells you "you didn't deserve what so n' so did to you", AND when he tells you "you are no good." He will puff you up when he whispers "well at lest you didn't do what "He" did!" And in the next breath tell you, "you deserve what you got!" We must remember he is a liar!

Wretchedness is totally different. It's coming to the end of yourself! And it levels the playing field. We realize none are good.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We the "wretched" understand that we are all clay and are content to be a lump; usable by the Master Potter. Until we get to that point we will be trying to tell Him how best to use us. We will only choose to be a "vessel of honor", whereas as a true lump we know we have no say and are content to just be molded by His hands.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:10-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Knowing you are a sinner is so important, for without that knowledge you won't know you need a Savior! But do we really understand that we were born into sin; all of us; every single one of us?

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And all of our life we are told to be good! And we try. 

There was actually a campaign by atheists: "Be good for goodness' sake!" The idea you don't need God to be good; in direct opposition to the teaching of Jesus.

“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Mark‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Being good is works based. Even the concept is wrong. It's something you really can't do by yourself, because our hearts are wrong.  For when you are good, you can pat yourself on the back and say, I was good! The key is self! Self cannot be elevated; only God may reside on the throne! There can be only One! And no matter how good we are we are not God! 

Another thing wretchedness is not - "the wilderness!" Although sometimes God will reveal our wretchedness while we are in the wilderness. Sometimes it takes being in a desert place to reveal the thirst we have to have! For it's the Living Water that saves us for eternity!

When you truly know you were born into wretchedness and that you need forgiveness to be saved from hell, it is easier to comprehend the following Scriptures.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you know you need forgiveness and mercy, and that you can't possible live good enough to earn them; that you are as lost as the murderer, adulterer, and the thief, then it is easier to give forgiveness and mercy! 

The worldly church delights in and flaunts the perks of being a child of The King; giving itself titles and wearing crowns. 

Whereas the wretched, prefers anonymity so that God gets all of the glory! It's "God's work", not mine or yours. It doesn't need a building. Or a big budget or bankroll. What He is doing, He will fund!

There is no pressure being an arm, a mouth, an ear, a foot. Those parts just do what The Head tells them to do! And there is only one Head to the body! He leads and the wretched follows, and rejoices at being useful! But He gets the glory!

My prayer: show us our wretchedness! Thank You Father for Your mercy and Your grace!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 2/4/17

How Will They Know

"How will they know?" is a question that rings through my head.

So many times I hear people state, "Well, we know they are a Christian" when describing someone facing a life or death situation - in need of prayer. 

And I didn't know they are. 

So are they?

If you are a Christian, won't it be evident? Isn't there supposed to be a difference in everything about you?  It's not about going to church, it's about forsaking the world. It's a change of heart. It's something that can't be hidden. 

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Many, many people have gone to the altar and said a few words and have been pronounced "Christian", but there has been no change. So now they think they are okay with God, because that's what they've been told.

“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.” Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I was the same way! For 60 years, I went to church, sang in the choir, spoke in tongues but did whatever I my heart desired. I lived for myself. I lived in and of the world - AND I was told I was saved.

I was lied to!

I did just what the church told me to do! And my heart was cold and hard. I had anger and unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, envy and all sorts of other sins hiding there; stuffed full from years of disobedience to God's Word, but the church said I was saved. It believed a lie, and so did I.

“And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭18:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Someone told me the Truth, five years ago, and it made me mad, but I decided to find out for myself. I went to The Word to prove him wrong. God opened my eyes and I saw my sin. I knew I needed a Savior, and I chose to obey His Word. 

I've never been the same. 

What if I hadn't been told?

How many of you have family members who you think are saved, because they said some words, but have had no visible change? It's easier to believe the lie than confront the issue. We are so consumed with "not offending" we are risking our loved ones going to hell. 

If you don't tell them, who will?

Of course, it could be you who needs to be told. Maybe you are the one who said some words and think you are okay. Maybe you are consumed with yourself and only think of God when you have a need. Maybe you love your life so much you are unwilling to lose it for the sake of the Gospel.

I hope this makes you mad enough to go to your Bible to prove me wrong, because if that describes you - you are destined for hell.

You see I must tell you - I have no choice! 

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel‬ ‭3:18-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent - for time is short. 

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/29/17

Try Me Lord

"Try me Lord - see if there is any wicked way in me. Show me where I'm living contrary to Your Word. I want to be delivered from everything that's unlike You. Away with all my pride, my ambitions, my selfish intellect, my reasoning. I know I can't think my way out of my situation. Holy Spirit, I need Your power and wisdom. I lay down every hope of solving things my own way." David Wilkerson "Change Me O Lord" 12/8/1999

Have you come to this place? 

A place of submission; laying it all down - 

A place of realization you have nothing to contribute BUT your will-

A place of "do with me what You want Lord” -

It's a hard place -

And the best place to be -

It's where you become the "lump" and He can start to mold you; make you into the vessel He wants, without your advice!‬‬

“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Giving up control, and letting Him be God is required, to be His servant. 

It's where you get peace! 

Obedience, submission, trust -

Freedom! Joy! Purpose!

This should be titled - “how to be sheep!”

Follow the Shepherd's voice!‬‬

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/7/16

When The Heart

"When the heart of man touches the heart of God, miracles happen!" Chet Murrell

That quote from my pastor is what came to mind this morning when I read the following verse:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you hear what God is saying through Jeremiah? Do you hear His heart? 

He sounds so much like the parents I hear everyday, mourning their children of whom they have little or no contact! The anguish they feel; the isolation; the aloneness! The promise unrealized. We love our children and after raising them, we anticipate sharing their success in adulthood, in fellowship. However, often that companionship is unknown. The kids are busy, living the life we helped them make. They might call. We hope for get-togethers on special occasions. Sometimes they occur; sometimes not. We hope for a phone call. A visit. We get them, when there is a need, but occasionally "just because" would be nice.

Do you hear it in the above verse? God's heart for His wayward children? His longing for fellowship? His love and desire to commune with those He created? We are so busy; we give Him so little. Oh, we offer a prayer in crisis, but to just set aside time, "just because" . . . 

Our relationships with our kids - 

a reflection of our relationship with God?

Unlike most parents, God allows us to go our own way! To fall down and learn from our mistakes, if we wish. However, most of the time we insist on making the same mistakes over and over. He's there when we call to Him! But He allows us to grow and encourages us to mature, so we will realize that His ways are the best for us! 

In contrast we often enable our children, in their rebellion and keep them dependent on us, because of our need. Not letting them go. That is our rebellion against God! For we make them to be idols and seek love to meet our needs that our children are unable to provide! This is love twisted, and it is prevalent in the world! In fact, the world ONLY knows twisted love. It's basis for love is "self";  what's in it for "me!"

Because we, have not repented of our idolatry, God allows the trials and storms of our captivity to escalate to the point we will call out to Him! He, ever the loving Father, is there listening for the broken hearted cry, of His child finally turning to Him in submission; so that He can establish the relationship we have avoided!

When will we realize our happiness only comes from obedience to our Father/Creator's commandments, and He allows our waywardness till we come to the end of ourselves? Then we find Him!

Why do we have to end up broken before we find Him? Why so much pain and suffering before we turn? Because there can be only One God, and we are not Him! As long as we vie for control, He is not our LORD.  

If you are tired and battle weary, get off the throne and let Him take His rightful place!

Let your heart, touch His heart and see the miracle occur; new life, joy unspeakable, peace that passes all understanding in the midst of life's storms; fellowship with The Lover of Your soul; the very One Who gave His life for you! What a Miracle!

You want a purpose for your empty life? Make Him your Principal Purpose! Then and only then will you know why you are here! He has work for His servants, and it's time to get busy!

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From: 3/9/16

For There Is Not

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” ‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My reading this morning reminded me of a conversation I had yesterday with one of my 92-year-old clients. We were discussing the sin of fear and worry, as she worries a great deal. She made the statement, "I'm not perfect, but I am a good person!"

The following scripture came to mind:

“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Mark‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Here Jesus is saying that only God is good! 

Matthew also relates the story.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Matthew‬ ‭19:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Notice the young man wants to do good for the reward of eternity.

“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus tells him, but yet again the young man wants to make sure he's got it right. He believes himself to be good but is checking to see if he has dotted all his "i"s and crossed all of his "t"s.

“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” Matthew‬ ‭19:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matthew‬ ‭19:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

At this point the young man considered the cost and was unwilling to surrender. He was happy to be "good", but unwilling to be perfect. He wanted eternity but also wanted the world. In other words he loved the world more than God!

You can keep the commandments without loving God, but can't love God without keeping His commandments! 

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we were able to "do" good to gain eternity we would not need Jesus. We can't. But it's Him working in us, perfecting us when we empty ourselves of self. It's His work, not ours. (Philippians 1:6) He gets the glory!

What our part is - is surrender; our will for His will. Loving Him more than this world - our life. Desiring His pleasure more than ours. It's not about us; it's ALL about Him!

It's giving up our rights. 

I can also tell you what it's not!

It's not asking Jesus into your heart and then going about your business unchanged. Your church may have told you, you were saved, but if you did not make Him LORD, and turn from your wicked ways (doing whatever you want to do) you are going to hell - plain and simple. You cannot love the world more than God and go to heaven.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew‬ ‭7:13-15‬ ‭

Will you, today, give up your right to be right?

Will you surrender your will for Him to use you as He wishes for His Kingdom?

Will you repent?

Time is short - Salvation not a decision it's an act of submission; and it's for a lifetime; for eternity.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/9/17