Pilot Therefore Said

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?” John‬ ‭18:37-38‬a ‭KJV‬‬

Here we have a man, standing face to face with Jesus, The Truth, and he asks, "what is truth?"

Even today, those who do not know Him ponder that question!

Those who do not believe The Bible to be the final authority, think everyone has their own truth; your truth; my truth; various truths. Every religion claims to have "the truth!" Every denomination has a different truth!

They can't all be right! 

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” ‭John‬ ‭17:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Here is Truth!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In the world these days, truth is in such short supply. You hardly know what to believe in the news. Lies are more the norm. Even in education; what is taught is suspect! Again, everyone has a different take on what is true!

Prophecy come true:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1, 7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The world does not have the truth! All of the searching ultimately leads one to Jesus! 

He IS Who He says He IS!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That says it all! There is no wiggle room. No argument! 

The question is: 

-  are you "of the truth"???

-  do you, "heareth My voice"???

-  do you love Him above all???

-  do you obey His commandments?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”  Matthew‬ ‭22:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Obedience is not works. Obedience is love. We obey Him, because we love Him! Just as Jesus obeyed The Father, so do we! His commandments are not burdensome.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” ‭I John‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It is a delight to obey, for we desire to please God, instead of living to please ourselves. That is how you know you are His, when He is all you desire! That is what we call your principal purpose. He is what you live for! He is what you will die for!

Such peace; such joy; such love.

How did I come to this place?

By going through the darkness. 

In repentance I turned to The Light. I obeyed His Word by acknowledging and repenting of my sins; not just the "big ones", but the really important ones like: unforgiveness, judgments, bitterness, fear, anger, worry, grumbling and complaining, unbelief!  I surrendered my will for His Will! I made Him LORD; the best thing I EVER did!

I am free! 

You can be too! 

But time is short! We are not promised tomorrow! 

Repent while there is time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

We Sing

We sing Isaiah 6 at church!

"I see The LORD and His train fills the temple . . . He is high and lifted up . . . "

      "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple." (‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬ NKJV)

It's one of my favorite songs, we do! 

"Holy! Holy! Is The LORD!"

      "And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”" (‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ NKJV)

We cheer and clap when we sing "and my sins have been forgiven!"

"Then whom shall I send?"

"I will go for You!"

     "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ NKJV)

And that's it; the song is pretty much over. 

Have you looked at the following verses? 

Do you know what you are volunteering to do? 

After singing and getting all goose bumpily; when you leave, do you believe you are doing what He wanted?

     "And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ “Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed.”" (‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭9-10‬ NKJV)

NOW, does it seem so weird that I keep telling you to pray, "LORD open my eyes, open my ears, change my heart"???

The church is asleep! 

I was asleep! 

As I've said many times recently (quoting Joyce Green) "I was lost, when I thought I was saved!"

He called me out of my slumber! 

I felt the prompting of The Holy Spirit to read my Bible and His Word changed me!

If you believe yourself to be saved, but never read your Bible, you are deceived! And you will believe everything anyone says, because you have not seen The Truth for yourself. You have no knowledge! 

     "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." (‭Hosea‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ NKJV)

You can listen to sugarcoated sermons that motivate you, but if you not being told to repent from your sins in your daily walk, you are destined for hell! There is no "Once Saved Always Saved!" 

I believe the greatest mission field is the church here in the US! We have been lied to, for 50 years! We have demanded entertainment on Sunday mornings and career pastors have given us what we wanted! 

There is no compromise in The Word of God! It's only God's Way, which is through The Blood of Jesus Christ, which is applied only through repentance from the heart and total submission to His will! We must die daily taking up our cross to follow Him. There is no other way! 

If it's not ALL, it's nothing! 

No halfway measures with Jesus! You can't be a part time Christian!

It's time, people, to examine your heart! If you think you are "okay", then you are deceived!

You have to know (like Isaiah) that there is nothing good about you!

     "So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.”" (‭Isaiah‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ NKJV)

You may make a decision, but cleansing takes time; pain, and overcoming! You have to purpose to make Him your primary purpose and to keep your feet on the narrow path. Because everything and everybody will be trying to pull you onto the broad path that leads to destruction! 

Time is short!

It's only too late to repent, after you die! Don't wait!!!!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 2/6/16, 1/30/17

For Israel Is

"“For Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn calf; Now the Lord will let them forage Like a lamb in open country." (Hosea 4:16 NKJV)

Forage: Search widely for food or provisions - looking over the fence and seeing greener pastures, at a distance - wandering off - 

Without protection - open to the attacks of the enemy - having moved beyond The Shepard's established pasture - He has to seek us out and bring us back - sometimes breaking our legs to keep us from wandering off again

- when we stay within the boundaries He has set for us we are protected -

The Shepard has provided nourishment for us but in our rebellion we search out food of our own choosing - empty of nutrients - junk food that tastes good but that does not sustain life - we think, in our ignorance that we are following the Shepard because we see other sheep but he is the hireling - who does not lay down his life for his sheep - his intentions are for himself not for his flock

- there is One true shepherd and His sheep hear His voice! 

We are a stubborn people - refusing correction - prideful - unwilling to be pliable in His hands or retrainable! 

When the Truth presents Itself - we close our eyes, ears, and often our heart to receive its life changing message, because it goes against the traditions of our denominations! 

The simplicity of Truth - the beauty of obedience to His Word, is the fulfillment of His design for our needs! True worship = obedience;  resulting in fruit; love, (ability to love for the sake of Love; without an agenda), joy (elation at the miracles continually occurring around us in the midst of storms), peace (knowledge and comfort that God is at work no matter what we see), patience (extending grace to those because grace was extended to us), kindness (being the hand or arms of God), self control (turning over your will in obedience to His will)!

"Hear the word of the Lord, You children of Israel, For the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: “There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land. By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed. Therefore the land will mourn; And everyone who dwells there will waste away With the beasts of the field And the birds of the air; Even the fish of the sea will be taken away." (Hosea 4:1-3 NKJV)

Time is short!

Repent!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/28/13, 1/29/17

Principal Purpose

Principal purpose!

"And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered."

(II Chronicles 31:21 NKJV)

What is your principal purpose? What are you good at? What holds your interest, to the point that you forget to eat? What do you think about all the time, even while laying in bed, trying to go to sleep?

Is it God?

You who know the stats for your favorite team back 20 years; you whose house get remodeled every year; you who shop every opportunity and will buy something new, because it's on sale, even though it is not a need; you who work in the yard every free moment; shouldn't you all be giving the same if not more attention to the things of God?

Do you even think about the things of God, when you are away from church?

You call yourself a Christian and believe, (because you were told by your denomination) that you are going to heaven, yet only call on God when you are facing a storm! 

That is not making God a priority! That is not dying to self! He is not your "Principal Purpose"! 

You have made the god you worship in your own image! 

The reason I know; - I'm describing myself a couple of years ago! I was there! But then God opened my eyes, when I began to daily read my Bible. The more I read, the more I wanted to read, and the more I began to change. He put a hunger and a thirst in me, for Him. The more I surrendered to Him in obedience to His commandments, the more of me, He received! I became His. He is my desire!

The God in the Old and New Testaments IS a jealous God and will not be second, to your fleshly wants or desires! 

As a friend reminded us in Sunday School, a couple of weeks ago, about the bumper sticker that said "God Is My Co-Pilot"; if that's you - you need to change seats! Cause if He's NOT flying your plane; you are "off course"!

The very best; most important, and hardest thing I have ever done in my life, was to listen to The Power of Forgiveness, make my list and then follow through, by meeting with friends and confessing my sins!  

It changed my life! 

In obedience to Scriptures, I humbled myself; I chose to forgive those who had hurt me; and I repented for holding onto that unforgiveness  and judgments for sooooo many years; now I'm free!

Now, He is my "Principal Purpose" and I am prospering in all my ways!

If you are tired of the same ol'grind, if there's no end in sight for your hopeless situation - repent and seek God!

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

If you would like a copy of The Power Of Forgiveness, private message me your mailing address and we will send you a cd at no cost to you! We will even pay the shopping! 

God will do for you, what He did for me! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

 From 4/14/14, 1/28/17

It Is The Spirit

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6:63-64‬ ‭KJV‬‬

His Words are still life! 

Do you believe?

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is so much more to being a Follower of The LORD Jesus Christ, than going to church, yet so many are deceived. At an invitation, they asked Jesus into their heart and have been told they are saved. But there was never a change in their heart or their life. They either occasionally go to church or even religiously go to church, but do not obey His Word. They do what they have been told to do, but religion no longer preaches repentance of sin or even identifies what sin is! 

I know because I was called out of that religion! I was challenged to read my Bible, by someone who reads his Bible. The Word of God and obedience to It, changed me; set me free. 

The devil is always trying to cast doubt on The Word of God. Always twisting its Truth and trying to entice  church goers away. Hurt feelings due to unresolved rejection, is one of his greatest tactics. The devil knows what buttons to push to get to you and often uses the people we love to do his damage resulting in splits in families and in churches.

Keeping our focus on Jesus is difficult when we are looking at our circumstances. The hard things, though, that the devil means for harm, God will use for our good, if we stay the course!

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6:67-69‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I know where Peter was when he said; "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

I have said the same thing!

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The above Psalm has echoed in my head, when the devil has tempted me with an easier road! When the narrow path becomes so difficult, the enemy is standing there with his abundant alternatives; the choices never ending. 

That is when The Word rises up BIG in me to counteract his temptations. The devil's tactics never change. It didn't work on Jesus then, it doesn't work on Jesus now! That's why reading your Bible is imperative! But not just head knowledge. You have to get it in your heart! It has to become a part of you! You must feed on it daily! 

Nothing else satisfies! Nothing!

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you do not have that kind of hunger or thirst for Him, then you need to examine your heart! Ask Him to show you where you have missed it! He will reveal to you the idols who are standing in the way; of which you must repent; loving them more than Him! 

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” ‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There can be only One! 

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/27/17

Has A Nation

"Has a nation changed its gods, Which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory For what does not profit. Be astonished, O heavens, at this, And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the LORD. “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water." (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭2‬:‭11-13‬ NKJV)

"Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ And to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble They will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah." (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭2‬:‭27-28‬ NKJV)

"“Why will you plead with Me? You all have transgressed against Me,” says the LORD." (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭2‬:‭29‬ NKJV)

"“Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."(‭Jeremiah‬ ‭3‬:‭14-15‬ NKJV)

There are many out there that claim to be shepherds but are hirelings! They are false prophets that speak what you want to hear! Soft things that do not require  examination of your heart nor repentance! They preach a different gospel, a sugar-coated message to satisfy your flesh! The spirit that moves among them is not He who convicts! The god they worship does not save!

Yet, God does have His men and women out there who will call you back! They are voices in the wilderness and their message is of old! It is one of repentance and is more desperate by the hour! 

Return to Me! 

Turn from your wicked ways!

Do not satisfy the lusts if the flesh!

Seek Me while I may be found! 

Time is running out!

Will you listen? Will you turn?

Or will you continue on the broad path to destruction, you scoffers!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/10/15, 11/23/15, 1/26/17

In The Presence

"In the presence of death, how real eternal issues become," Azusa Street - Frank Bartleman

I have never known a time of such death. It seems all around. 

We got word last night of another two deaths. One week, there were six! One family I love has had 3 in just a matter of months! 

Tony Langton said, "God speaks through death!"  

Both he and Frank Bartleman are right! It is through death we are called back to life! The loss of someone we love will impact in one of two ways. Send us into the Father's arms for comfort, or make us turn from Him.

Anger at God (from a loss of someone you love) is part of the grieving process. You just can't get stuck there! Cry out to God and tell Him about your disappointment and anger! His shoulders are big enough. However, you must forgive God for letting you down!  Holding onto the unforgiveness is sin and will set up a barrier; cause your heart to harden.

God often uses death to reach us. Let's face it; we don't turn to God when we win the lottery! For most of us, it's the breaking of our heart that propels us into His arms. For He is the only One to bind up the broken heart! Nothing on this earth will mend our heart but Him! 

The world offers counseling, and drugs! Alcohol is often the preferred pain killer, numbing the ache momentarily. But in the morning the loss is still there! 

God can and will bring healing, but that comes from surrender. Holding onto the pain of the loss and listening to the lies of the enemy lets the wound fester and the pain increase. It's like a cancer and will continue to kill. 

When my mother (my best friend since I was 16) died a few years ago, my reasoning was, "she's in heaven, I will do everything in my power to see her again." 

So, I started seeking God! 

Oh, and He let me find Him!

I had no idea! I still miss my mom, but the memories are sweet and there is no pain! The Treasure I found in Him, was worth every tear! 

All of us will die! 

And we do not know when! 

We also do not know the impact our death will have on those we know and love! Most I know would gladly die to save those we love! 

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ NKJV)

Jesus our example; our Savior; our God! He made a way for us, where there was no way! He alone is The Way! 

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."(‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ NKJV)

I know of no one (who has died) who would want those they left behind, to suffer and turn from God! They would not want their loved ones life to end in grief! It brings no honor to their memory, no matter what the devil whispers. I see many elevate those who have passed to an idol and build shrines to their memory! That would be the last thing they would want, especially if they knew God!

"‘You shall have no other gods before Me."(‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ NKJV)

Any who have died would want the Truth to be spoken - to turn them to Life!

"“Then 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 in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” (‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭24-31‬ NKJV)

If you die in unforgiveness you will be sent to that place of torment! In the above scripture he begs for his brothers to repent!

I beg you also! 

Forgive your loved one who died. Forgive yourself for not doing more. Forgive God. 

Repent of the unforgiveness!

Repent while there is still time. 

When your life is finished it will be too late! 

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 2/3/16, 1/25/17

I Will Set

"I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze." (‭Leviticus‬ ‭26‬:‭17-19‬ NKJV)

I look at the body of Christ and see very few who are victorious, in their battle against the enemy!

The common denominator in many of the trials of my brethren are their children! They are our weakest link! 

In a conversation last week with a friend who has been going through a trial for many years, I realized that most often, the attack will be against the ones we love, to get to us! I admitted to her that I can endure much pain, personally, but hurt my loved ones and it is almost more than I can bear! And the enemy is greatly aware of the chink in my armor! Going for the throat, he attacks where he has a greater chance of victory; our Idols! 

The Warriors I know that are suffering the greatest defeat are the ones who are looking at the battle! All they see are the injuries; the bloody, gapping wounds! All they hear are the moaning and complaining for relief! And it looks like none will ever come; that the battle will never end!

Fighting a war alone is a sure strategy for failure! And when we take our eyes off of our Leader and forget His plan for success, there is no way we can succeed!

However, if we surrender to God instead of the enemy, we will surely succeed! For HE alone has the power to defeat him, we have no power without God! 

The only way we can effectively battle is through obedience! 

Repentance is obedience! 

"‘But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me, and that I also have walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they accept their guilt— then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham I will remember; I will remember the land." (‭Leviticus‬ ‭26‬:‭40-42‬ NKJV)

When we refuse to forgive; when we get angry and sin with our mouths and refuse to repent;  when we are seeking our own way, instead of seeking God with our whole heart; we are walking in sin! We are walking in disobedience; contrary to God's Word! 

When we refuse to lay down our pride and admit we have sinned, He will not hear our prayers! He turns His head!  "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear." (‭Psalms‬ ‭66‬:‭18‬ NKJV)

Then we battle alone! 

But if we confess, and repent of our sins He is faithful to forgive us! Repentance reestablishes our relationship with Him so that He can fight our battles for us! When we take His yoke upon us, HE pulls the weight! He just wants us to rest in Him! He will be strong for us, however that ONLY happens when we are submitted!

The key is to keep our focus on Him! 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ NKJV)

All these things include victories!

Repent of your sin of loving your idol more than God! Cast your idols down, and tear down your high places! Turn back to The One who died for you!

You can see the other side of the battle from a higher altitude, so climb up on the cross and gain a better advantage! Victory is assured from that perspective!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From: 11/25/14, 5/13/15, 1/25/16, 1/24/17

And He Spake

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 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 ‭18:9-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If any sin is worse than another it would be pride. It is sneaky; not in your face like others. We can obey every commandment but if our heart is prideful then we have blown it all! Pride tells us we are good; not like the other guys who have done all of those horrible things! When all other sins have been repented of, be sure pride is still hanging around! Pride justifies! Pride allows. Pride compares. Even down to the lowest of lows, pride says, "but you". When laying it all down, pride will still be hanging on with a grip that must be pried off; he (the spirit of pride) does not leave without a fight.

A spirit of pride is always attached to a religious spirit; the Pharisee is "good" through works, which elevates himself. He's done everything his church says to do, not knowing his church doctrine is wrong. 

Long ago, the devil tried to destroy the church; and when he couldn't, he joined it!

The twisting of the scriptures; the elimination of some; emphasis on others, unless one seeks The Truth, for oneself, by diligently reading The Bible, it's easy to fall into trusting in the traditions of man. 

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”  Mark‬ ‭7:7-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It's all about the heart!

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"All thy heart" - leaves no room to love other things!  

Remember The Rich Young Ruler?

(Luke 18:18-22)  Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give to poor. 

“And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He had done everything required by his church, but his heart was not right! He loved his wealth more than God.

Anything we place above Him is an idol: money, spouse, children, houses, careers, hobbies, sports and even pets! 

To "follow" Him you must lay everything aside, for God will not share His throne! That's why the admonishment continues daily, to examine your heart! Deal with the sins hiding there! Repent and humble yourself! Get rid of pride, bitterness and unforgiveness that you've held onto since childhood! You want God to fill your temple? Make room! He wants it all, not a corner!

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father, show me the pride that still lingers in my heart, so I may repent! My desire is for You to reign in my heart alone! I lay all of "me" down at Your feet! "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/23/17

Why Do We

Why do we hold onto this life, as if it all there is? 

Is it for love of this world?

“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. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are admonished to focus on what's to come; eternity!

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But the natural fleshly man has wants and is easily distracted by the pleasures we find here, no matter how unfulfilling they may be.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

‭‭James‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Synonyms for adultery are: infidelity, unfaithfulness, falseness, disloyalty. God considers our love of the world adultery in our relationship with Him. At some point in our lives we have all been considered adulterers and adulteresses to God; putting everything the world has to offer before Him. Each thing we love more than God, our idol!

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:34-37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

At some point we will all lay down these fleshly bodies and be removed from this world. Eternity beckons us all. What's at stake? Our soul; and where it will reside in the hereafter; eternity with God or without Him. The only way to God is through The Cross! He made a way, where there was no way, because of our sin nature! When I surrendered my life, I became so aware that THIS world is not my home.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians‬ ‭6:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Just like when I travel to another place; eating and sleeping there, I may have comfort, however I know that it belongs to someone else and I have to return to my regular address. So this earthly address, is temporary; this lifetime a short stay in light of eternity, and I'm looking for my "home" far away! I am a sojourner, in a foreign land, and I am so grateful! 

There is a reason why we are never satisfied here; why we are always wanting more! The need we are born with can never be fulfilled in this world, because that need is for Him and Him alone. Once we become His, we willingly do His bidding until He is finished with us and calls us home! 

My greatest regret in this life is that it took me soooooo long before I found Him. My greatest desire is for Him to use all of the mistakes I made along the way, for His glory to reach a lost and dying world. 

If you are not living your life for Jesus Christ; if He is not your principal purpose, I suggest that you pick up The Word of God and begin reading (cover to cover) and find out WHY you are here! The Bible is our instruction manual from the manufacturer; a detailed "how to" and "why" for our existence from our Creator!

There truly is more to this life! 

And He makes it all worthwhile! 

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is time, for we are not promised tomorrow!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/22/17

Blessed Are They

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John‬ ‭14:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”  John‬ ‭6:47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation‬ ‭21:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus Christ our only hope.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/21/17

If My People

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Paul Harvey would say, "And now, for the rest of the story!"

“But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house?”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath He brought all this evil upon them.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Today we pray, make vows and celebrate, but what about tomorrow?  Will it be business as usual? Will we forget the promises made, today, to turn from our wicked ways? Will we indeed seek His face, tomorrow and the next day, and the next day? Will the change we pray for, take place in our individual hearts, or will we continue to walk according to our own fleshly desires and leave it to the other guy? 

Do you know YOU are held accountable? It's not just our new leaders! It's you reading these words now, that God expects to fulfill His Covenant! You want His blessings for your life, the lives of your family, your nation, then you alone must seek Him and obey Him with your whole heart! You are not exempt! 

So will you? Are you ready?

Do not take lightly the words you speak, for you will be held responsible. You, count the cost and with integrity, live up to the only label that matters; being "a people called by My Name!"

You want a Godly nation, in which to raise your family? 

Be a Godly man or woman! 

Father, my prayer today: turn our hearts back to You! As we, as a nation pray for Your protection and Your guidance for our new leaders, change us all! Open our eyes to see the wickedness residing in our own hearts, humble us LORD, so that You will be exalted! Let not only our words lift You up, but LORD, let our hearts reflect Your goodness, because there is no goodness there without You! We are undone! We desperately need You! We deserve Your wrath, but thank You for Your mercy and Your grace! We lay down our idols and tear down our high places! We entreat You; take back our land, LORD; begin in my heart! In Jesus precious Name, I pray! 

From 1/20/17

And Why Call

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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

It's about obedience! 

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”  Luke‬ ‭6:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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

It's about obedience!

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It's about obedience!

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It's about obedience!

It's about love!

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

It's all about what's in your heart! Pride, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, fear, unbelief, worry, idols, hatred, jealousy, envy, and the like!

Examine yourself! Ask God to reveal what is hidden there, and when He shows you (and He will), repent! 

He wants to clean you up, and tear down the walls in your heart, you have built over the years; from all of the hurts; walls that protected you as a child, but that keep Him from having your whole heart! It's time to clean house! Un-clutter!

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repentance is not a one time thing, it's a daily walk! He brings trials and tests into your life to expose the sin you are still hiding! He knows it's there and He wants you to deal with it, instead of shoving it back down! 

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Be obedient!

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/19/17

And The LORD

"And the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the LORD will drive you. And there you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them."(‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4‬:‭27-31‬ NKJV)

Here Moses is telling the children of Israel what will happen to them when they forsake Him and how God will respond if they will turn BACK to Him!

All is still true today!

When we go our own way, not seeking God we soon find we are not prospering! When we realize we are perishing, we turn to God! 

God actually sends storms to turn us back to Him!

Let's face it - when people win the lottery they don't say, "I think I'll turn to God!"

But when we are floundering, we cry out to Him - we turn to God!

"When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice (for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them."

The important part is the "turn to the LORD and obey"!

That does not mean just asking God for help and maybe going to church! 

No, it means repentance and a change of direction! Instead of doing what you want to do, you do what He wants you to do! Following His Commandments; following His direction!

Wanting relief from the situation you have found yourself in, is not the reason to follow God! Though, that is often how we start!  However, when we find out WHO He is and that He is SO worthy of our love and devotion; we find that His ways are not cumbersome, and it is a delight to do His will!

Now, especially during this season that puts so much pressure on people who are already bending under the weight of daily stress, examine your heart! 

Lay down the yoke of the world, and yoke up with Him!

"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”" (‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭30‬ NKJV)

It's light because He carries the weight, IF we stop trying to pull against Him!

So how do change your direction? 

How do you get off the merry-go-round?

-   By humbling yourself (laying down your pride)!

-   And repenting of your sin!

-   Confessing one to another the sins you have stuffed down in your heart and repenting of all of the unforgiveness, pride, judgements, bitterness, anger, fear, and worry you have held onto (forever) and ask for forgiveness for all of your rebellion!

-   Repent of having and cast down your idols! 

It seems like a great deal of effort and it is! And painful too!

Anything worth having takes effort! You get what you put into any relationship! You put in nothing - you get nothing!

This is actually THE most important act of your life! 

Fully turning, to follow The LORD is beyond huge! 

Not to be taken lightly! 

This is something no one can do for you! 

Not your mom or dad!  

Not your girlfriend or spouse! 

Not your teacher! 

You and you alone have to make this decision! 

This is life changing!

By turning your life over to Him, you are giving up your rights! You are giving up control! You will no longer be free to do your thing! You are in essence accepting servitude, over independence! 

THAT is what it means to be a Christian - a follower of Christ!

THAT is what it means "you were bought with a price!" (1Cor 6:20)

If you have not done that - then you are just a church goer! 

You are not the church!

Examine your heart!

Repent! 

Seek Him with your whole heart and soul!!!!

Make HIM the only thing you desire this year!!!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/3/14, 1/18/17

“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You Cannot Stay

You cannot stay the same!

“The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalms‬ ‭145:14-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most come to The LORD from a fall. The storm I found myself in; that I could not get out of on my own; I cried out to Him and He gave me His hand; He raised me up! 

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.” Psalms‬ ‭145:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You must humble yourself, or you will be humbled; for you cannot stand before The LORD! There can be only one King and The King of Kings will not share His throne! 

Today the apostate church is indistinguishable from the world. Most believe they can be a christian and remain unchanged; living their life like they always have! That is a lie from the enemy! 

To be a Follower of The LORD Jesus Christ, you MUST surrender your will; you must MAKE Him LORD! And when you love Him with your whole heart, you obey His commandments! What He says to do, you do! That's what servants do! You don't do what your flesh says to do! You submit to His authority! And when you fail, you repent!

When you live your days without ever a thought to what He wants you to do; that is wickedness! You can say you love Jesus, but if He is not first, then He is last! He must be in your every thought! You must love Him more! More than anything this world has to offer; husband, children, home, career, entertainment, money, power, etc. He has to be THE principal purpose of your life! He HAS to be first!

Give up! Make Him LORD! He will meet your every need and satisfy your every desire! He is The Provider! He is The Protector! He is all! He IS God! 

If He is not, then satan is your god! There is no middle ground. By not making Jesus your LORD, then by default you have chosen darkness.

You either choose The Kingdom of God or you choose the world! 

Jesus did not come to save you from the darkness of the world to leave you there! It's all or nothing and it's your choice! 

Repent while there is still time!

“My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/17/17

For False Christs

"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24 NKJV)

Are you deceived?

Did you know that when you are deceived, you have no clue you are? In fact, you will be convinced you are right and will, like the swine possessed run headlong off the cliff and perish!

That is what you are doing when you run after "headliners"; when you seek the "signs"!  

True prophets do not seek the spotlight! True prophets do not exalt themselves! True prophets of God are humble! Signs and wonders are performed by the unction of God not by demand of a paying public!  True prophets give, they do not charge!

You who've assumed the titles: prophet/prophetess/apostle beware! 

God is a jealous God! He will not share His Glory!  If you are alive and those titles have been placed on you by man and you have gladly accepted them and flaunt them, the sheep you have scattered will be required of you! (Ezekiel 33:1-16)

And you sheep; if you are running to and fro seeking after signs and wonders; going to every big name, feel good preacher of a watered down, sugar coated gospel, do not think you will not be judged! (Ezekiel 34: 17) 

Do not be deceived! 

If your god requires nothing of you, but promises you everything, it is an idol! 

If your walk, with your god is not changing you and causing you to desire change, it is an idol! 

If you get all of your sermons on TV, feel good for watching and you have dust on your Bible, then you are worshipping an idol! 

God changes not! The Great I Am is still The Great I Am! His Blessings established in the beginning are still operational as are His Curses, when His Law is broken! 

If you have unrepented sin in your life, you are under the Curse, and that is why you are  sick! You can "claim" the Blessings all you want but will not receive them as long as you are living in rebellion, not turning from your sin! 

If you go to a big convention, and pay to have someone lay hands on you, and are not told to repent, and receive a healing, it was not given to you by the Spirit of God, but by the deceiver! 

"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Mark 13:22 NKJV)

God still heals! He still answers prayers! He still meets needs! He still requires repentance for salvation! His Mercy & Grace is still new every morning and freely given, however there is a cost; His life for your life! 

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Galatians 6:7, 8 NKJV)

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/25/14, 6/4/15,1/16/17

 

Unto Thee

"Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." (Psalms 25:1-5 KJV)

"Good and upright is the Lord : therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." (Psalms 25:8-10 KJV)

"Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee." (Psalms 25:19-21 KJV)

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." (Genesis 50:20 NKJV)

When God is getting ready to do something BIG the enemy will pull out all stops to try and make sure it doesn't happen! And often times he uses people we love and that love us, to stop us in our tracks! 

We have to trust and keep our focus, believing God instead of the lies that are whispered! 

I did (and will continue to) pass my test! For greater is He . . . 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 2/19/14

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

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

Now It Shall

"“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks." (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2, 4 NKJV)

"“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: “Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks." (Deuteronomy 28:15, 18 NKJV)

Which do you see in operation in your life and the lives of your children; blessings or curses from God? 

It doesn't matter how much you "claim" the blessings, if you are living in disobedience to the commandments of God, you will be under the curse; no matter what your denomination teaches! The Word of God and His Covenant with His People is an everlasting covenant; still operating today! You can't have the blessings without the curses! 

If you are sick and tired of all the trials/storms that you are going through; then choose (for yourself and your family) to repent of the sin in your life, and purpose in your heart to fear God and Love His Commandments! 

You choose whom you will serve; The Creator of the universe or the enemy! Life or death! Blessings or curses! 

It is your choice and when you don't choose to walk with God you by default choose the devil! There is no middle of the road! It's either all or nothing!

Repent! Time is running out!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/23/13, 7/15/15, 1/14/17

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."(‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ NKJV)

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Reading In Mark

Reading in Mark 6, this morning, I find some interesting things.

“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A true prophet of God will not be widely accepted; in fact the contrary is true. He will be derided and ridiculed by the worldly church. Whereas a false "Prophet" will be highly lauded and have great gain! 

Speaking of the end of the world,  Jesus said, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew‬ ‭24:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How do we know, when the Truth is being preached? It seems that everyone has "truth!" A friend likens it to rat poison; 99.999% good stuff and .001% strychnine. Just enough to kill you! (My paraphrase)

When Jesus sent out the disciples this was their charge (and it remains today):

“And they went out, and preached that men should repent.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And they were able to do miracles:

“And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Healing and deliverance follow repentance! Then as today!

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The following scripture really is not spoken of much, and like all scripture still applies today. 

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” ‭Mark‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I read recently that when, a person accepts a lie from the devil; that the really bad part is that they have in fact rejected The Truth! 

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The only way you will not be deceived is by daily reading and studying The Word of God; every word; not just the favorite scriptures of your denomination! You seek the Truth! He will open your eyes! He will change your heart! You will begin to see things, you have never seen before and it will amaze you! 

You don't need a devotional! If you have never read it through; begin in Matthew 1:1 and read through the New Testament and when you reach the last page, turn to Genesis 1:1 and read the Old Testament! Then repeat! 

Never stop reading your Bible! 

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

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Examine your heart!

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

1/13/17

And Whatever You Do

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."(‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ NKJV)

"Whatever you do" and "do all" includes everything! 

"Do ALL in the name of the  Lord Jesus!" And "give thanks!"

I find this scripture extremely helpful when called to do something I'd rather not do!

We all are faced with duties either at home or at work, that can take our eyes off of Jesus. Things we think maybe we shouldn't "have to do" (if others were pulling their weight!) Opportunities to grumble and complain, over "job descriptions" or unfairness; opportunities to sin! 

The enemy starts whispering and we listen, entertaining thoughts he knows are not pleasing to The Father, and if we are not mindful of what The Scripture says, we find ourselves in a bad place! Many times this is how we lose our peace!

We are encouraged to:

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."(‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬ NKJV)

And:

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men," (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ NKJV)

Everyday, these tests come and we are to be mindful of how we SHOULD perform, in every instance. And with awareness, and perseverance, over time, our actions will conform (to The Word) - if our desire is to please our LORD!

And when we fall short; when we fail, we get up and try again! 

Repent for our sinful thoughts, actions and attitudes and forgive the one who is squeezing our lemon!

We keep taking the test until we pass! In time it does become second nature! This exercise of bending our will, is how we are conformed into His Image!

No task is beneath us, if we are doing it "for The Lord!" We are to be servants and we must serve!

Upon success; THAT is when "your lemon gets squeezed and the honey comes out!"

Father, I humbly give thanks for the opportunities You will provide today, for my perfecting!

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ NKJV)

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/16/15, 1/12/17

I Will Bring

"I will bring the one third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ” (Zechariah 13:9 NKJV)

The trial you are going through; this storm, raging all around you is the refining fire!

If you are not walking with The LORD; He's trying to get your attention! Call out to Him!

If you have been walking with The LORD; He's wanting to purify you; clean you up more!

Ask God what He's wanting to tell you!  What the purpose of this trial is and thank Him! Praise Him in this storm!  Let Him have His perfect work in you!

Do not pray for the storm to end so that you can go about "business as usual"!

You had better "count it all joy", and "in everything give thanks"!

Stop grumbling and complaining and start praising Him!  

This hard place you are in is the best thing that has ever happened to you! You just don't know it yet!

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 8/27/13, 1/11/17

"At the center of your storm is your idol!" Joyce Green

Heaven And Earth

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:35-42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I had been taught this scripture referenced the rapture! I, like everyone else, embraced the idea of being rescued from the wrath of God to come. God had done it for Noah, He'll do it for us! Then it was pointed out to me that those that were taken away were not in the ark! 

I had a real hard time with this, you see, for God had promised the following verse to me! 

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.”  Psalms‬ ‭27:13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I had just began my first read through of my Bible, and I realized so many things I had been taught were not quite right! I had been lied to, deceived, just like Jesus said!

What wasn't a lie is that He had indeed provided a way of escape from the wrath to come, through the Cross! And He gave instruction on what to do!

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me.” Matthew‬ ‭10:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That means denying your fleshly desires and surrendering your will for His! Obedience to His Word! 

“For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:” Colossians‬ ‭3:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You no longer live your life for you. You live for Him! He gave His life for you, so you WANT to do the same! 

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When you truly become a servant, out of your own free will, you surrender everything! When you truly grasp what Jesus did for you on the cross, any sacrifice you are asked to make is minuscule in comparison. Your desire now is to please your Father, just as Jesus did! You belong to Him.

When you live for yourself, refusing to obey His Commandments, you are living like the world. It doesn't matter how often you are in church or what your denomination says you can do, if it is contrary to God's Word, you will be disappointed when Jesus does return, at the end of time!  

“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,” Romans‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Examine your heart! Repent of the unforgiveness, bitterness, judgments, anger, fear, unbelief that is hiding there! Obey His Word! 

“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

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 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 ‭7:21-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have many times over seen the goodness of The LORD since I humbled myself in submission to the Lover of my soul! I have peace that passes understanding and joy unspeakable and have repeatedly seen His unfailing love shed into the hearts of those who come to Him in repentance! 

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

1/10/17

Then Shall

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:1-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I was reading this this morning I was reminded of the New England houses with the "widow's walk." When their husbands were gone to sea, the women would go up to the widows' walk and search the horizon for a glimpse of sails in hopes of their husband's return! Many women loved their husbands so much, they spent the remainder of their lives watching and waiting; never to see them again, but they never stopped looking for his return!

How many of us love The LORD so much as to never give up watching for His return? How many church going "Christians" have already given up; thinking in their hearts, "Since the Disciples; they've watched and He hasn't come!"?  

Watching with expectancy shows our love! 

Obedience shows our love!

Most associate The Virgin story with the fantasy of the rapture. That was what I was taught in the denomination I attended. And I watched for His return as an escape from the very things that would make me into His image. I had not been taught to obey His commandments; repentance of unforgiveness, judgments, bitterness, anger, fear and the like. Oh, I loved The Lord, but He was not my LORD! I attended church every time the doors were opened, but I was not His servant or follower. I had had an experience but my change had not separated me from the world! I was a foolish virgin!

Now, my life HAS changed and I long for His return, and am content to watch for Him, and walk in obedience to His Commandments, enduring to the end whatever He brings my way that will conform me and perfect me into His image! He is the principal purpose of my life! He is ever on my mind. 

How did this change occur? 

I surrendered! 

I gave up my will for His will!

I stopped trying to live my life on my own; realized I was not in control; I was not God, but He is! I accepted His sacrifice for my salvation; that I had been bought and became His slave! Oh what a marvelous thing; to be His! I never understood before!

I had been taught "He did it all", and He did, but do not think for a moment His sacrifice will cost you nothing; for He requires your all! And when you truly love Him, you gladly give it all! It's the least you can do!

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37-40‬ ‭KJV‬‬

All of your heart!

You can not love anyone or anything more than Him, or you don't love Him with "all" of your heart! That includes your children, your spouse, your home, your career, your country; nothing can be before Him! Lay down your idols.

That is obedience! 

That is surrender!

Do not be a foolish virgin!

Repent while there is indeed still time! We are not promised tomorrow!

"Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh!" Matthew 25:11-13

Even so - MARANATHA! 

1/9/17

And Above All

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”" (‭I Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ NKJV)

Love. Fervent Love. It's what sets us apart from the world. The world does not know love or how to love. They know lust, not love. 

fer·vent: ˈfərvənt/

adjective:  having or displaying a passionate intensity."a fervent disciple of tax reform"

synonyms: impassioned, passionate, intense, vehement, ardent, sincere, fervid, heartfelt; 

enthusiastic, zealous, fanatical, hardcore, wholehearted, avid, eager, keen, committed, dedicated, devout

What are you passionate about? What has your heart? What are you enthusiastic over? Who or what are you committed to; devout in; zealous for; to what are you impassioned?

Is it love? Is it love for your wife? Is it love for your children? Is it love for your team? Is it love for your country? Does love for God even come to mind?

Everyday we say we "love" many things. Just like the Gospel, the world has watered down the meaning of love. We "love" everything: food, shoes, books, lunches with friends, sports figures, movies, and especially our pets! In fact, if you want to see someone's passion look at their average Facebook posts! 

Yes, we as a people love everything that is bad for us. And what we should love, we seem incapable of loving. We misplace our love and give place to - what we shouldn't - in our hearts!

"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ NKJV)

We are supposed to be in a relationship with God! And He, as The Lover of our soul, is jealous of where we share our love. Like a forsaken spouse, He is grieved over our loss of love for Him! We have, like in Revelation 2:4, lost our "first love" and our hearts have grown cold, and our passions have given way to "things"! If we love the world and the things of the world then we are not focused on the Spirit! 

If our love of God was as it should be, then we would love like He does. 

If we were seeking Him with our whole heart, we would be a reflection of Him in our world!

We would love the unlovable! 

The things of this world would have no appeal to us.

We would long for eternity with Him, not for mansions and streets of gold!

We would love Him, not for what we can get from Him, what He can do for us, but because He deserves our love! He deserves our adoration! He deserves all honor and glory! He is worthy of our devotion! He is mighty; to be feared! 

He is God, and we are not!

Father, my prayer today is that You show us where our love is placed; show us the error of our ways! Open our eyes to see our sin, and change our hearts to repentance! Let us love You and give us Your Love so that we may love like You do; let us be Your love here, where You have put us! May we fulfill Your work here that You would have us do! Keep us in Your love! Make us and mold us into Your image so that we can have "fervent love for one another!" In Jesus precious name I pray!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/19/14, 4/27/14, 1/8/17