Oh Give Thanks

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

"Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness." (‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1-2, 5-9‬ NKJV)

You who are going through the trial of a lifetime - give praise to The LORD! Worship The LORD in Holiness! True worship is obedience! Obedience to His Word! Submission to His authority! Compliance! Surrender of your will, to His!

"Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons— Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭10-15‬ NKJV)

"Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing." (‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭22‬ NKJV)

"For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two. Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭16-21‬ NKJV)

It is very easy to give thanks when things are going well! But we are to rejoice in all things! When the bottom falls out, and we instinctively give thanks and rejoice, it gives witness to "whom" we believe! Not just words but a knowing in our heart of hearts that He IS  and is in control!

"Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing."

(‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭22‬ NKJV)

"Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭23-31‬ NKJV)

We can give thanks to The LORD, because He knows the beginning to the end, and we have confidence He IS working all things out for our good! 

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."(‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ NKJV) "Let the redeemed of The LORD say so!" Say what? That we are redeemed? No! That His mercy endures forever! 

All that we are going through has one purpose - to bring us to Him! To make us into His image! To make us holy! When we finally cry out to Him, He's there! When we submit, when we surrender all, He surrounds us with His love! At that point our soul sings praises to His Holy Name without reservation! 

However, we are commanded to praise Him in the midst of the storm! In doing so we are taking our eyes off of our situation and keeping our focus on Him! Grumbling and complaining either in our hearts or with our mouth just keeps us rooted in our storm! It is sin! He will leave you there forty years and even let you perish there, unless you turn in repentance! Humble yourself or He will humble you, for all knees will bow to Him!

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ NKJV)

Forever! 

Eternity! 

It's NOT about here and now, but about Eternity with Him, The Lover of your soul! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/23/15, 9/12/15, 9/5/16

I Call Heaven

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" (Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭19‬ NKJV)

When we make Jesus Christ Lord of our life, we are suppose to be choosing Life over death; blessing over cursing! 

But are we?

The next verse says:

"that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”" (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭20‬ NKJV)

Do we do that?

We say we love Him; but do we obey Him?

Do we "cling" to Him? 

How can we, when we are still clinging onto the world with white knuckles?

We are supposed to be choosing Life, but is He our life? 

Our lives are so busy we don't even try to make time for a relationship with Him! 

Too busy for God! (smh)

We are not in The Promised Land, because we obviously love the "wilderness of sin"! (Numbers 33:11)

We are told (by our denominations) we are to "claim" The Blessings of God, by quoting the scripture; because there is power in our words! 

"Choosing life" requires more than saying words! It requires a change of heart! It requires repentance! It is a choice, to turn from your wicked ways; to change your way of life!

"You are not what you do, but what you want to do!" 

"Deal with the attitude of the heart as though it were the act!"

Paris Reidhead

You do not come to Jesus and stay the same! 

You have to give up your old life, for a new life in Him!

You have come to the end of yourself - to find Him!

You must realize that you need a Savior -  to be saved!

Whatever you WANT to DO, you will do! You must want Him more than anything else in your life! 

Repent while there is still time.

Without repentance there is no salvation!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/10/14, 11/16/15, 7/29/16

Now Sampson Went

"Now Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. So he went up and told his father and mother, saying, “I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.” Then his father and mother said to him, “ Is there no woman among the daughters of your brethren, or among all my people, that you must go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.”" (‭Judges‬ ‭14‬:‭1-3‬ NKJV)

"But his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD —that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines. For at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel." (‭Judges‬ ‭14‬:‭4‬ NKJV)

Verse 4, just jumped off the page, at me, this morning. 

Sampson had been raised right, yet insisted on living wrong! He bore the consequences of his action and in the end; turned back to God and was mightily used by Him. He fulfilled God's purpose for himself. Another lesson learned, bringing a man to repentance!

Wouldn't our lives have much more peace if we could grasp God's authority and power to use every aspect of our life for His purpose? The birth of a child; the death of a loved one; even an attack on a nation are all in His control; protection given or protection withheld. 

We go about blindly believing we have an impact on our life with our wants and desires;  our thoughts and our words, yet the only lasting influence we have, is when we listen and obey God's direction! Our thoughts are not our own and unless we are living according to God's Word, we are being directed by the enemy, with his distractions. Whose voice determines the impulses for good or impulses for destruction.  

We are merely vessels for honor or dishonor. 

"Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" (‭Romans‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬ NKJV)

When we see ones we love going down the wrong road, we have two effective choices; love and prayer! Or we can speak; we can complain; we can accuse, all for naught! Most often our words drive them further away. And when we continue to speak of evil we are playing into the devil's plan; reinforcing his lies.

We should speak life and trust God!

If you have a wayward child or sibling, repent of the evil words and proclamations you have made for their life. Forgive their choices and repent of your judgments! Relinquish the control you think you have and turn them to over to God! You love and you pray: "His will be done in their life!"  

When you do that; God has just done in you, what He intended for you, that you most likely would not have done under different circumstances! 

Now give Him The Glory! 

If you don't have peace, you didn't do it! Try again and this time use not just your mouth, but your heart and tears!

Remember: God can and will use anything to get us to turn and obey Him, even a talking donkey! Just listen. He's still speaks!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

PS: I wonder if Samson's family  grasped how God used him when they collected his remains or if, in their sorrow, they just saw a wasted life. 

From 11/16/15

For It Grieveth

“for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord is gone out against me.”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1:13‬b ‭KJV‬‬

Can you identify with Naomi? Does it feel like "that the hand of the Lord is gone out against" you?

They say "hindsight is better than foresight"; here in the book of Ruth, we see a prime example of that! She, could not see how God's hand was all over the bad circumstances in her life! God sees from the beginning to the end, and we do not! In fact Naomi never knew that the baby she nursed would be the great-grandfather to King David. 

She only believed that the LORD'S hand was against her.

When we only look at our circumstances - it sometime seems the obvious conclusion!

However, the scripture that comes to mind is: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Joseph, at the end, realized the good that came out of the bad. 

This is where belief, faith, hope and trust come into play! 

First you must believe, and it's easy to believe in what you know. To know God, you must read His Word! It's hard to believe in something someone else knows! So read your Bible; cover to cover, daily; make it a habit! 

As you read, you see Who God is, and what He's done, your faith will grow and hope will build! As you read, you have the choice to trust God or not! Should you choose to trust Him, you will also make the choice to obey! Obedience is the acknowledgement of Him being God and you giving up your will in lieu of His will! 

Trust - Obey - Rest!

“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

If we know, we can believe; hope rises, faith builds and we trust, because we know!

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What you are going through right now, no matter how bad it is; know God is in control. He is moving you to a place where He can act. 

It may take a famine to move you; or death to move you; you may never see the good that will come from the disasters, but God has a plan! Your very painful trial, may indeed be an intricate part for the saving of your life, or the life of your future children or the saving of a nation. In the hands of The Creator of the Universe nothing is impossible!

I know; for looking back at my life of rebellion; circumstances and bad choices on my part, God used all to bring me to the point of total submission to Him. As bad as it was, I would not change a thing, because of where He has me now! Knowing Him, serving Him is worth all the pain this life has held. He is more than worth it; He is worth dying for! He IS!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

I Have Not Sent

"“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My counsel, And had caused My people to hear My words, Then they would have turned them from their evil way And from the evil of their doings." (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭21-22‬ NKJV)

The message of repentance has been lost! No longer do the leaders of the church point people to a cross and tell them they must die to self! No longer do the pulpits call to a "sinner" because no one believes he sins! They are all "saved by grace" and when they "accepted an invitation" took care of their final destination "once and for all!" 

Repentance is a turning away from sin; a change of direction and a change in lifestyle! And it is a daily choice! Many start the race well but the distractions of the world cause sin to creep back in! Because what constitutes "sin" is no longer preached the people accept sin as the norm! No one knows that fear, worry, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, judgement (to name a few) are sins! Because "everyone" does it, it must be okay! Because of acceptance there is no need for repentance! "God made me that way" is the attitude, so I'm good!

Today, what a sinner formerly hid behind closed doors and did under cover of darkness is proudly paraded at mid-day! The sins not seen, however. but hidden in the heart, are worse! The former not caring who sees, the latter denying God's power to see!

"“ Am I a God near at hand,” says the LORD, “And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭23-24‬ NKJV)

The judgement of The Lord is at hand and we have whole denominations deceived; believing they will be spared His fury, while true believers die everyday in other parts of the world because of their belief in The Lord Jesus Christ! Beheadings and crucifixions are no longer newsworthy, they are so frequent! And the church here, with her head buried in the sand waits to be raptured! Such audacity! 

"The anger of the LORD will not turn back Until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly."(‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭20‬ NKJV)

We are seeing (and will continue to see) the anger of The LORD! 

Repent! 

Business as usual is a thing of the past, for our days are numbered! Turn from your wicked ways while there is still time! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/17/15, 1/21/16, 9/5/16

Then He Said

"Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ NKJV)

Denying oneself is hard but imperative to be a follower of Jesus! It is totally opposite of the teachings from most of today's pulpits. Because when you are carrying your cross there is no way to carry the things that make for a comfortable life! All the money, and success the world expects you to gain, is not important in The Kingdom of God!

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." (‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ NKJV)

As long as we hold onto the things of this world we are NOT on the narrow path! You cannot live and do the things the world does and follow Jesus!

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?" (‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭25‬ NKJV)

When you are born again through repentance there is a change, and your desires are to please your Father! His approval is more important than your own satisfaction! 

"that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts," (‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭22‬ NKJV)

However, when the tests come, and we blow it, the devil whispers in our ears: "there is no way you can do this"; "give up"; "it didn't take"; "well so 'n so does this"; "it's not so bad - just once"!  And we listen; thinking those are our thoughts; then we say them, and they become ours! When we speak them, we give them life, and the devil knows this!

IMPORTANT: Every thought in your head is not your own! The "still small voice" is God. The loud, accusing, doubting, incessant, negative voice is the devil. Your voice is the one to which you come into agreement and then speak! It's your choice - which is your voice!

Recognizing the devil's ways; his voice is one of the ways to overcome and gain the victory in this war! 

"nor give place to the devil." (‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭27‬ NKJV)

Giving place to the devil, comes when we live like the devil; when we live like the world! If we enjoy and desire what the world has to offer more that the things of God, we are not following Jesus. 

Giving place to the devil also comes when we have unrepented sin in our life, he has a right to be there and accuse us! And WHAT he is accusing us of, is OF WHAT we need to repent!

It may be a deed, it may be unbelief, it may be rejection, it may be a fear; those things that torment us are from him and God wants us to be free! Freedom only comes from repentance of those sins!

Take fear!  Do you know that the fear that plagues you, (say of fear of storms - since we are having so many) says to God, "You are not big enough to protect me", "I can't trust You!" 

Your fear is unbelief and unbelief is sin! 

Fear is the same as faith, as it also projects the future, but in the negative!

When a fear comes on us, and we give voice to it (speak it out), then we give it the power the devil is counting on, to make it happen! 

We have a choice! Live in fear or live in freedom! 

The Word tells us how to live a victorious life! It is doable no matter what the devil says! Through repentance and obedience we receive the peace and joy The Word promises and they are worth our every effort! 

Time is running out and we must get serious about our walk! The line has been drawn and the separation of the wheat and the tares has begun! (Matt 13:29). 

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; (‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭10-14‬ NKJV)

Repent!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/3/15, 9/18/16

But Avoid Foolish

"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if, God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil aving been taken captive by him to do his will."(II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭23-26‬ NKJV)

The hardest thing to remember is that not everyone can hear, not everyone can see; that actually the majority of people have not escaped the snare of the devil, but are in fact being held captive!  

I actually have to remind myself that this is the case when a brother or sister turns away, to walk back in the world! The fact is that: deceived people do not know they are deceived! 

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (‭II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭3-4‬ NKJV)

Everyone, will at some point experience conflict with a brother or sister in The Lord, and may even be left scratching their head in bewilderment, asking themselves, "what did I do?", when they walk away. The enemy is quick to try and make you think you are in the wrong; after all he is the accuser of the brethren! We have to examine our heart and, if God exposes something then we are to go to them and set it right. However, if we are guiltless, then we must not hold it against them! 

"For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭19-21‬ NKJV)

Not to "take offense" is what we are called to do, and is easy to accomplish IF we keep the following in mind:

"if, God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape"

Sin causes a person to lose their sense of direction. It cause their moral compass to go awry! A willingness to repent helps keep all of us on the narrow way! An unwillingness to repent is most often a pride issue, which compounds the sin! We must pray for the backslidden person, that "God will grant them repentance"; to turn them away from their sin!

We also, have to watch that we too, do not fall into sin by listening to the enemy; causing further separation from our brethren! 

We have to keep our hearts pure by walking in repentance! It is very easy to fall into judgment when wronged and that is what the enemy wants! Our sin (of judgment) will bind them to us! We must release (them) for them to be set free, and so we will not be bound also!

"For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."(‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ NKJV)

"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (‭II Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ NKJV)

"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."(‭II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ NKJV)

We must endure afflictions with a pure heart! Without grumbling and complaining!  OR we will continue in that area of the wilderness, going round and round, until we get it right! This is part of the perfecting of our faith!

We may even end up like Paul: "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them." (‭II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ NKJV)

We may, indeed, stand alone, unable to have any defense, but we are to take comfort (that we are in good company) in the fact that Jesus did the same! We are to take up our cross and follow Him! We walk in love and we walk in forgiveness!

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (‭II Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ NKJV)

A friend calls it "getting our lemon squeezed!" When you squeeze a lemon, lemon juice comes out! However, when we have overcome and our lemon gets squeezed, honey comes out! It is an amazing feeling to realize you have learned the lesson well; and learn it we must, for what lies ahead!

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (‭II Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-7‬ NKJV)

"But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (‭II Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭13-17‬ NKJV)!  

Read your Bible! 

Walk in love! 

Walk in repentance! 

Finish the race!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/26/15

If We Say

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”  ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:8-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I was listening to "Sinners In The Hand Of An Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards, yesterday, and a statement he made rang in my ears: "consequences of sin!"

We hear a great deal about the youth of today, not realizing there are consequences for their actions. Many say that's why our society is in the shape it's in. 

How could the youth know any different, when we, their parents and grandparents do not believe there are consequences for our sins! 

We don't even know what sin is!

No one considers that they may be sinning, or have a lifetime of sin hidden in their heart.

If I were to ask you today, "how's your relationship with God?" most would say "good!" Very few, if any, would admit to a problem with sin! Pride keeps us from admitting we have sin in our lives. Pride is sin!

Everyone worries! Everyone has fear! Everyone has unbelief, for worry and fear are unbelief! Unbelief; worry and fear are sin!

Everyone gossips and enjoys it! Don't tell me you don't; I work in a hair salon. Gossip is sin!

So what are the consequences of sin? 

Let's look at the sin of unforgiveness. Jesus was very clear about it:

“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

Everyone believes they are going to heaven, however in the above verse, we clearly see, if we harbor unforgiveness in our heart we will not be forgiven, by God!  

Unforgiveness is clearly sin!

I spent the majority of my adult life believing I was saved, heaven bound because I accepted an invitation to ask Jesus into my heart! My life changed, for a while! Then a trial came and I backslid badly. My life would become unbearable and I would again cry out to God, rededicate and would again shortly backslide. My walk with The LORD was a roller coaster at best. After my mother's' death, I began reading my Bible daily and discovered what God considers sin! However, it wasn't until a friend told me about the sin of unforgiveness and how to examine my heart, that I realized the baggage I was carrying! I had judgments I had made against my parents; I had unforgiveness from past hurts (that I thought I had forgiven); I had such debris, in my heart from almost 60 years of sin, there was no place for Jesus to "live." 

Read 1 John‬ ‭1:8-10‬, again.

Now look at this:

“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

When was the last time you did this? Most people would say, "never! We (our denomination) don't do that!" Yet, clearly The Word of God says to do it, and there is a reward for obedience; healing! Is that why the church is so sick; disobedience to the Word of God? 

When I first heard this message 6 years ago, I was on so many prescriptions, the receptionist at the doctor's office recognized my voice on the phone. I was so tired of being sick and tired I thought, "I've tried everything else, what have I got to lose?"  

I was told to make a list of the people who had hurt me, and who I had hurt; it was several pages. I then met with the friend and another lady; I humbled myself and confessed and repented of my sins. I chose to forgive each and everyone. I was indeed healed and the doctors took me off my meds. (blood pressure, blood sugar, seasonal allergies, reflux, depression)

Before, I walked in darkness; sin!

When I deliberately chose to obey God's Word, His blessing abounded; I came into His light!

Now, I daily choose to walk in love, walk in forgiveness, and walk in repentance! My relationship (abiding in Him) is of extreme importance to me! I have peace, joy, and no fear! I no longer worry, because I KNOW whom I believe! I rest in Him! 

Do I still sin? Yes, when I fail, I repent and my relationship with my Father is back on track. He is ever faithful, even when I am not. Read 1 John‬ ‭1:9 again! 

You need to examine your heart! Ask God to show you the unforgiveness hiding there. He will bring all of the names and faces to your mind, that are unresolved! 

Do you need healing in your body? Do you need healing in your mind? It's available, but you must obey His Word! Get your Bible out and read for yourself!

If you would like a copy of the cd on forgiveness that changed my life, PM me and we will send it free of charge; we will even pay the postage. 

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

And There Arose

“and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which He had done for Israel.” ‭‭Judges‬ ‭2:10‬b KJV‬‬

What happens when a generation does not know the LORD?  We break His Commandments and live in our sins.

“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭21:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When confronted with our wrong doings, we justify and compromise, loving our sin more than God! 

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,” ‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then we create a god that does not require our repentance and say "Oh, that's OT" and stay captured in our sins, standing on promises that never show up!

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

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim: And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger. And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtoreth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.” ‭‭Judges‬ ‭2:11-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Gospel has been watered down, and sugar coated for so long now, this generation does not even know what sin is! They do not understand there are consequences for not obeying God and accept the results; assigning billing codes for insurance and manufacture pills to "manage" said results. 

Today, if you say sickness and disease are results of disobedience to God, you are labeled a legalistic heretic. 

This evil generation will pick and choose New Testament scriptures that supports their beliefs and disregard those that don't. Such as James 5:16

“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 church today does not know, that healing comes when we humble ourself; confess our sin in repentance to another; who then will pray for us! This witness does not offer absolution, he offers a prayer of agreement and reminds God of His Word. This is done in obedience to God!

But, how do you obey something you do not know?

How do you repent if you don't know of what you need to repent!

For 50 years, or more, the pulpit has been negligent, preaching what the people wanted to hear, not what The Word of God says! 

Once again, The Book of The Law has been lost, and a generation knows not The LORD! 

When you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, your pastor will not be with you! You and you alone are responsible before God for your unrepented sins. There will be no excuse! Christ shed His Blood, but it has to be applied, for your sins to be covered! It is still flowing today, for those who surrender and follow God's Word in repentance!

Read The Word of God, from cover to cover, for yourself! 

Time is short! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

Trust In

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

I don't know how many times a day, I quote these two verses. 

It's so easy, when all of our plans fail, to become discouraged; so easy throw up our hands and quit. So easy to stop short just before success. It's so easy to see how futile our efforts, when we've exhausted all avenues and every door has been shut in our face.

At the end of our rope; a very good place to be, in fact just where God wants us! 

Isn't it sad, "when all else fails", we try God? Why is He the last ditch effort for us? Why is it considered a weakness to consult Him before making a decision? I actually had one man say to me, "God is too busy for my little needs!" 

When you are in a relationship with someone you are familiar with the details in their life. The more you "know" the closer you are! If they are on your "speed dial" or "favorites", then they are the first you turn to, in any situation! 

That's where God wants to be; where He should be for everyone who is called by His Name. 

First; without fail!

That only happens when there is TRUST!

Can you "trust" God?

Do you have "history" where you can encourage yourself, when the devil says, "where is your God now?"

Most associate getting what you "want" or "your own way" in a situation, as being able to trust in God; however we don't see the big picture, but God does. And like a good Father, He doesn't give us what we want, but what's best for us. Most times it takes hindsight for us to appreciate His intervention when we are on the wrong road.

Often times the worse thing that happens to us, is actually the best thing that could happen; when put in God's hands!

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”  ‭Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we get to the place where we surrender our messed up life to The Creator of The Universe, then He does what He does best; He creates beauty! Hope is His result! Peace His byproduct! It's hard to imagine what chaos and catastrophe will look like (when you are sitting in that darkness), but when He shines His light, it changes everything. He and only He can set things right!

So have you gotten to that point of surrender?  

Are your ready to throw up your hands?

Then what are you waiting for?

Cry out to God, with all of your heart; holding nothing back, and tell Him, "I give up!"

*Pray: LORD, I confess that I have been blinded by my rebellion and received lies from the enemy. I have felt secure in my sins, but the covers have been jerked off of me and I sit here naked and transparent before You. I repent and turn from my sins and plead for Your mercy and grace. LORD be my first love. Soften my cold, hard heart. Please give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart that wants only to please You. I confess I have been pleasing myself and have only given You token amounts of obedience. LORD wash me, cleanse me, change me, so that I will walk in Your kind of love. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, message me and we'll send you some CDs at no cost, that will help you grow in The LORD. We'll even pay the postage.

You are welcome! ❤️

Even so - MARANATHA! 

* Prayer adapted from:

"The Unpardonable Sin"

May The Lamb

"May the lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!"

What is His reward?

You.

Me.

Why was His sacrifice so important? What was at stake?

Our eternal salvation.

Praise God He did not take lightly our state!

We plan big get togethers this weekend; cook big meals; buy new clothes; hide eggs for the kids and overload everyone with sugary treats. For what?

To celebrate His death and resurrection?

What does that mean to you?

If we fully comprehended what was done on our behalf that day, I'm sure baskets with plastic grass would not be seen. 

“For great is Thy mercy toward me: and Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭86:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

All of the programs depicting His sacrifice may move us momentarily; would we see past the pageantry and drama and grasp what was accomplished!

Upon acceptance of His selfless act, and obedience to His Word we will not see eternal death and torment. He took our punishment for us; what we deserved and what He didn't! 

And we are His reward. 

And we don't give it a second thought; it's our due?

Paris Redhead's "Ten Shekels And A Shirt",  impacted my perception of this "holiday."

Paris was complaining to God about an ungrateful people that loved their sin and didn't want to be saved, God asked him, "Do not I deserve the reward of My suffering?"

God said, "I did it, because I love them!"

He died for us, because He loves us.

We don't deserve His love.

Would that we would love Him!

Paris was given this realization and offered the following prayer at the end of his sermon. 

"Lord Jesus I'm going to obey You, and love You, and serve You and do what You want me to do, as long as I live, even if I go to hell at the end of the road, simply because You are worthy to be loved, obeyed and served and I'm not trying to make a deal with You!"

May we comprehend with Whom we are dealing!

Father, thank You for giving Your Son, to pay my debt. I repent of all of the times I took for granted the cost! Forgive me LORD for all of the times I thought less of You, and more highly of myself than I should. Forgive me LORD for not thinking of You! Please LORD, open my eyes, open my ears and give me a heart to perceive the great miracles You have performed. Change me so that I may walk worthy of Your Son's willing sacrifice. in Jesus' Holy and Precious Name I humbly pray.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

Now As He Sat

"Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭3-14‬ NKJV)

Today we read these words and know we are living in these days. Many before us have thought the same thing. What hit me most is "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." And "But he who endures to the end shall be saved."

Those whose "love has grown cold" are already lost. They are the walking dead; and don't know it! Their end has already come IF they do not wake up!

However, when all seems lost, God may call us out of the darkness, into the light!

Again, we have a choice as to "if we will endure to the end!" 

When lives hang in the balance, the weight of our prayers for our loved ones may tip the scales. This is spiritual warfare; all praying for one another!

I am reminded of a colony of ants trying to cross a creek. The first pave the way for the last; laying down their very lives to stand in the gap for their brothers. The bridge complete, each willingly doing what is their duty for the masses. 

The Kingdom minded do the same and it is their only goal. We have our example in Christ Jesus, who gave Himself so that we are able to cross over. He bridged the gap between us and God! 

Our servitude requires the same attitude; love and endurance! We give because He gave! We pray for our brothers, because someone prayed for us; and He still does.

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (‭Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭25‬ NKJV)

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" (‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ NKJV)

Do you have loved ones who need salvation? Then as a Believer you have solemn duty to be obedient to God's Word for Him (because He is worthy) and (to your loved one) so that your prayers will be heard! 

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ NKJV)

Obedience to His Word makes your prayers effective! 

Church, we have failed to do our part and it is imperative we repent and humble ourselves so that He may be exalted in our lives, before time runs out! Our lives are not our own! We were bought with a price and we need to wake up and be what He has called us to be! 

"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭11-14‬ NKJV)

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/6/15

I Heard

I heard her father say, "I just want her to be happy", in response to me cutting his daughter's hair.

That sentence has stayed with me all week.

What lengths we will go to, to achieve that goal, even to the detriment of our child!

Thank God, our heavenly Father does not respond to us in that manner.

It has been widely reported in my family, that I (as a small child) told my grandmother, "Granny, I'd never give you any trouble, if you'd only let me have my own way!"

I think that speaks to all of us, for it is a great deal of trouble disciplining our children. It is a daunting task to consistently refuse our children's desires which are not in their best interest!

We do our children and grandchildren a great disservice in allowing them rewards they have not earned; in lavishing gifts upon them, for no other reason, but that we love them. Expectations not received cause strife in families as much as a lack of thankfulness to the giver.

Humanism teach we deserve happiness. However, when we learn at a young age we "deserve" nothing, we do well and our life has less turmoil. It is the parents duty to prepare his/her young for the cold facts of the world in which he/she must survive. That is not easily done if we ourselves have not been taught.

The only book that teaches guidelines for parents/children is The Word of God. It is the original "how to" book and is as applicable today as when first penned. God's Word is inarguably the final say in all situations we face in our life, if our life is to be successful. When we seek God in every instance; in every situation; in every opportunity we are assured of the right answers for the right result. It's when our desires run contrary to God's will, when we get in trouble. "Our own way" is the "wrong way" if God is not in the equation! 

"“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭21:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Many times the Bible it speaks of people going their own way and it always led to catastrophe. There was more than once that God's Word was lost and the result was just what we have today; a lawless people. 

We seem stunned that evil has become so prolific when we have turned our back on Good! 

Grumbling and complaining about the shape of our society is an assault on God. He has not moved - we have! We must turn back to Him, in repentance! We have been negligent and we are reaping the benefits! We need the same zeal to pray for our young as we had during the election! 

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

“Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.”

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭5:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

Either Make

"“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”" (‭Matthew‬ ‭12‬:‭33-37‬ NKJV)

Social media has done one thing, for sure, and that is make fruit inspection easy!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," (‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬ NKJV)

All of which seem to be in short supply, as darkness gains ground.

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."

Hard words spoken without thought, exposes the heart. What some think clever and funny are actually very sad. Surely, the caustic, bullying done in response to a post, is not done with malice but in ignorance; surely! 

Although, some of the pride, with which the razor sharp quips are wielded, reflect spirits that delight in the pain inflicted!

"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things."

In most cases we see "love and kindness" extended only to those who agree with our position, however patience seems lacking with those who oppose our stance! 

For outsiders looking in, very little of the attributes of Jesus are visible! Facebook feels like the Arena during the days of Rome! People watching to see if it will be "thumbs up" or "thumbs down".

We who wear the label "Christian" should bear in mind the impressions we leave those who are just watching and waiting for us to fail! 

When a response to a post comes to mind, pay attention to how it presents before giving it power in substance! We all have been told of the power of the spoken word, and how "the pen is mightier than the sword." The enormous distance and lightening speed with which our words travel in this day can make or destroy an individual or group, in mere seconds. The Internet (in most hands) is akin to handing a toddler a loaded weapon. All, now have access to "the little red button" that had been reserved for a select few, which in seconds has the capability of destroying someone's world!

You, who profess a relationship with The LORD Jesus Christ, please give great consideration to the potential of your words before your fingers touch the keys! 

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."

Consider not just for your eternity, but also for those you impact!

Pray with me:  Father, I come to You having nothing I can boast in, but I can boast in You! Please reveal the sin in our hearts reflected in our words. I choose to repent for the unforgiveness, anger, judgments and bitterness that are exposed through my unloving banter. Forgive me LORD  and let me only reflect Your love and Your goodness in the lives I unknowingly touch in this place. Change me LORD and make me into Your image! In Jesus' Name I pray!

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 6/4/15, 1/10/16

Know Therefore

“Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you consider God?

Have you ever really thought about God, or tried to explain Him to someone else? 

Don't we pretty much just think about Him when we have a need? 

I remember bargaining with God in my younger years. "God if you will save my daughter, I will serve you forever!" After the crisis was over, I forgot my vow, but He didn't! 

How many of you have done that? 

"God if only . . . "

At the time we make those declarations we are serious; we would do anything! Then we soon forget. But He doesn't forget and He will call you on it! He will someday remind you of that vow! It will ring in your ears!

I am so thankful, that He remembers me!

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4:29-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In His mercy; He put the desire, for Him, in my heart! He made me to seek Him with my whole heart! What is so amazing to me is that the darkness He called me out of was so great, He could have destroyed me! I deserved it, but He remembers my vow.

He remembers me! 

How many times in my life did I get myself into trouble and cry out to Him? 

How many difficult situations did I find myself in, that He rescued me? 

All of the time I was running from Him, I was running to Him, for He was always right in front of me, and I didn't know! He never took His eyes off of me, for He remembers! 

Now, I do seek Him with my whole heart! He continually reminds me of all of the miracles He has done in my life! He has been active all along, even during my rebellion; because He remembers my vow! 

He knew I would get to the point when I would run out of pavement and He would show me another, less traveled road; a hard road; a road that would lead me straight to Him!

I, now, purpose in my heart, daily, to seek after; to follow Him on that narrow road, for the remainder of my life - 

Because I made a vow! 

I'm so thankful, He remembers!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

So Many Believe

So many believe the Old Testament is no longer applicable in their lives. Many just read the New Testament, alone. In fact there are even those who only read The Words in Red; the lies of the enemy have taken them that far. Instead of obeying the whole council of God, they choose what they want to do, and then expect God to bless them, in their disobedience; in their sin.

They are missing out on so much. 

They remind me of the children of Israel in Deuteronomy. In the first chapter, Moses gives recap.

“And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us. Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:25-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Not only did they refuse to obey, they murmured against God, accusing Him of hating them; of intending destruction. It didn't matter the miracles He had performed for them, they grumbled and complained. 

After all of that, Moses recounts God's mercy. However -

“Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:29-33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then this: 

“And the Lord heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord. Also the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:34-37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And then they made matters worse!!!! They went their own way again, refusing to obey!

“Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the Lord, we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. And the Lord said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord, and went presumptuously up into the hill.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:41-43‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then look what happened!

“And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. And ye returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:44-45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Did you catch that?

They came back defeated, crying to The LORD "but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you.”

We, too, are a disobedient people; willfully disregarding His Commandments and we expect Him to bless us, none the less! In His mercy, He has not destroyed us, yet we grumble and complain against Him, at every turn.

When will we grasp the concept of consequences for our actions? We complain about this generation, yet they learned it from us!

This people He rescued; He continued to provide for daily, but He let them die in their rebellion, without their promised reward. 

They believed in Him; they followed Him, but their hearts were not right! They accused Him and were ungrateful! He turned His head away from them. 

He let them die, because they refused to obey.

And we refuse to read His Word, because we don't want to hear this! The devil whispers lies saying, "Oh that is OT", and we agree with him, because we love our sin more than we love God. 

We, as a people, have not changed! Nor has God. 

Yes, we have a better covenant in The New Testament; a perfect sacrifice in Jesus Christ.

(And here comes the "but") 

New Testament quoting Old Testament : 

“Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:9-12‬ ‭KJV

This is not about being "positive"; that is not the opposite of grumbling and complaining! 

This is about the evil that resides in your heart! This is about sin not covered by the Blood of Jesus, because you have not repented of it, and are okay with it, because you continue to bypass His Commandments; "be positive!"; the world's mantra!

Church we have such a short time to get this right! We must repent and obey The LORD! We must walk separately from the world. The only way we will know The Truth is to put down all of the inspirational books and pick up The Bible! Why listen to a man/woman's interpretation of God's Word, when you can read it straight from His mouth?  If you do not believe in it's inerrancy; if you do not believe it's The Truth, then never mind. Have a nice day.

But if you are hanging eternity on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you best read your Bible!

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA!