Sirs What Must

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  Acts‬ ‭16:30‬b KJV‬‬

Most everyone thinks they are saved.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭16:31‬ ‭KJV

I started thinking about the word "believe." Everyone I know believes - in something. 

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

‭‭James‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭KJV

The definition:

be·lieve

bəˈlēv/

verb

1. 1. 

   accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of.

   "the superintendent believed Lancaster's story"

   synonyms:

   be convinced by, trust, have confidence in, consider honest, consider truthful More
2. 2. 

   hold (something) as an opinion; think or suppose.

   "I believe we've already met"

   synonyms:

   think, be of the opinion that, have an idea that, imagine, suspect, suppose, assume, presume, take it, conjecture, surmise, conclude, deduce, understand, be given to understand, gather, fancy, guess, dare say;

Just look at the definition! "Have an idea?" "Imagine?" "Assume?" "Gather?" "Guess?" What wishy washy words! No wonder so many believe so wrongly!

I am convinced that we underestimate what believing constitutes! 

Most everyone believes that if they stick their hand in fire, they will be burned. We make conscious efforts to avoid being burned. We believe; we act or take steps. So believing is an action.

‬‬

Believing "on the Lord Jesus Christ" is a life changing conclusion! It means knowing He is God and obeying His commandments. However, most who confess to being a "believer" give little consideration to His ultimate authority. Lawlessness abounds as we are a rebellious people.  Submission is a word man does not want to learn.

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In other words, because we have refused to humble ourselves and obey God, He has sent a great deception; the lie - "we are all going to heaven because He loves us."

It doesn't matter that Jesus said: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”  (Matthew‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭KJV) we are deceived and think we are all on the narrow path, and are happy thinking we are "okay!"‬‬ we are lazy and have chosen the path of least resistance. We don't want hard; we don't want to work at anything; we want instant salvation and we want to feel good in the process. IF we work hard, we want it on our terms, so that we look good.

If you go to church and have never read your Bible, but have "believed" because you've been told you are heaven bound, then the odds are you are deceived.

The Word of God is not a history book, although it is rich in history.  The Holy Bible is God's communication to us, so that we can know Him and know what He expects of us. He is God; we are not. When we live without His Word directing our steps, we make ourselves to be god, and we are headed to hell; i.e. "Strong delusion."

I was there. I trusted in what the church had told me and had never read my Bible; until in 2010 when someone challenged me to read it like a book; from cover to cover. I had read thousands of books, so why not the Bible? 

Wow! 

I'm still reading; daily!

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The devil doesn't want you to read The Word. He wants you to stay ignorant of God's commandments and he will tell you, you are good; you are okay.

You have a choice to believe his lies or find out for yourself what God has said. 

Start in Matthew and read till the end of Revelation, then go back to Genesis and read straight through. You at least owe it to God, to read it cover to cover; right? And it does not take a year to read the Bible. It does take determination to do it though, because there will always be something else you "should" be doing (according to the devil!)

Do you love God?

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can't keep, what you do not know.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can't love Him, if you do not know Him. 

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Find out Who Love IS!

Do it while there is still time!

Repent.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

The Heart Is

‬‬“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Everyone believes he is good. 

Almost daily I hear someone say, "God knows my heart!" And they are right; God does know. But most people in the church are deceived, by the enemy; they call Him LORD, but they have not made Him LORD. 

‬‬

“But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭50:16-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can believe yourself to be saved, and not be. You can believe what you have been taught by denominations that have compromised His Word, but that will be no excuse for you when you stand before Jesus at The Judgment Seat. There will be no one to blame but yourself. Your very own words will condemn you on that day!  You have been told to repent and turn from your wickedness, but you have refused, believing instead to trust in the doctrines of demons. ‬‬

“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:24-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus said,‬‬

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Our flesh does not want to be denied. We want all the world has to offer! And we can justify our desire for these things through the Word, because that's what the deceiver does. However, if one would follow Jesus we must deny our lusts; what our flesh desires. That is the difficult, narrow way. But just the fact that one desires the things of this world, shows the road on which he walks.

“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.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

To be a follower of The LORD Jesus Christ means more than what you have been taught. It is a difficult walk. It does not conform to the traditions of men. It is one of sacrifice; your will for His will! Submission, obedience to His Word. Humbling yourself. Being a vessel to be used by Him. Walking in repentance, when we fail. Forgiving those who have wronged us, like He did. Giving mercy, when our flesh cries out for justice. It's a walk of sanctification.‬‬

“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

What awaits those who submit and obey? Joy unspeakable! Peace unimaginable! Faith unstoppable!‬‬

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/12/16

Lay Not Up

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What is your treasure? 

What you continually talk about - to everyone!

“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

With what do you fill your heart and mind? TV shows, games, sports, cooking, books, cars, politics, guns, hobbies, work, pets, home; the list goes on and on. 

I work where people talk ALL the time. I'm amazed at the topics, and often repulsed by the details, I overhear! The unhappy people talk the most, and often about how they have been wronged.  Others about celebrities and their train wrecked lives; thanks to the trashy magazines those stories are in great supply.

The happy people talk most about their faith in Jesus; a topic of which I never tire! 

“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

Of what portion do you give The Lord each day; each week; each month?  

  -  Is it moment by moment? 

  -  Do you occasionally think of Him?

  -  Do you go to Him only in crisis?

  -  Twice a year when holidays come around?

I have found the more I learn; the more time I spend with Him, the more I desire Him! The closer I get to Him, the closer I want to get! He IS my treasure! 

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When Jesus becomes your "principal purpose" the world fades away, becoming less and less important! Pleasing Him is my goal! And talking about my treasure is all I want to do! What He is doing in my life and the lives around me, is amazing and He gets all of the glory! 

The highlight of my day is sharing Jesus, especially with like-minded believers! 

Whatever your task; whatever your test, keeping your eyes on Him brings peace and joy that you will never find in this world!

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Listen to yourself today!

Examine your heart.

I pray you would treasure my Treasure!

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 5/25/16

O LORD

“O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:1-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We try everything the world has to offer. We incur huge debt; take every pill recommended; suffer countless humiliations; waste away in our despair; retreat from all contact; the darkness overwhelms -

Has your storm gotten to the point you are willing to do anything? 

Is it so bad that you are willing to humble yourself before God and man?

“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Remorse - 

Confession - 

Repentance -

I was at that point. I surrendered.

“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 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 ‭5:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In obedience to God's Word, I met with a few people; I humbled myself; confessed and repented of my sins, and my life has never been the same.

He rescued me.

Even though all remained the same; in a single moment everything changed;

life -

light -

hope!

“For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is no other hope -

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

I Am The LORD

“I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45:5-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When you realize that it is God that "creates darkness and evil" and that they have a purpose; it changes your view on the events of your life!

You see, I had always been taught that the devil did the bad things to us.  I would curse the sicknesses. I would pray for rapid relief of adversity. I would quote scripture in my desire to end the trial and get back to life as usual! 

But if we believe the above scripture and others that it is His will to work all things for our good, it puts "storms" in a different light! 

Looking back at my life of rebellion, I see God's hand trying to gently guide me back to the narrow path, but I was determined to have it my way! His corrections would become stronger and I would dig my heels. I was going to "stand!" The storm would increase in intensity and a big wave would come and knock me down and in my stiffnecked, open defiance, I'd wave my fist at the devil and yell, "I will not be moved!"  

Never ever knowing I was in error! 

That all along it was God trying to get my attention! 

To my shame, I was defying God! 

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I don't know how I thought The LORD, chastened and corrected! But I had been told by my teachers that it was the devil making my life miserable! Never did they say the stuff I was going through was from God, for my own good! 

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have all lived in open rebellion for so long, taught by a traditions of men and doctrines of demons that we are supposed to live long and prosper, in complete happiness! 

That just is not true! Our life is not ours and it is for His good pleasure we exist! When we grasp that and humble ourselves in submission, that is when the blessings of God and His peace and joy abounds! "Happiness is a 'by product' of obedience, not the means to an end!" (Paris Reidhead)

If you are going through storms; if your trials seem never ending, try something different! Try obedience to The Word of God!  I know it's a novel concept, but it works!!!! 

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."  ‭James‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

If you are at the end of your rope, repent! Turn to God! Humble yourself and sincerely repent of your sins! 

"But I'm a good person! What sins?" you say!  

Sins common to all of us are: unforgiveness, bitterness, judgments, gossip, anger, worry, fear! These sins permeate the church and are deemed acceptable by everyone but God! Unforgiveness all by itself will keep you out of heaven!

“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

Walking in repentance; walking in forgiveness; walking in love is obedience to Him, and makes us "overcomers"! 

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Stop grumbling and complaining! In everything give thanks! Keep your eyes on Jesus! Seek first the kingdom of God! Do not fear! Look not to the things that are seen! Humble yourself! Repent!

Time is running out! Church we have got to get this right! 

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA

From 10/10/15 - 2/25/17

The LORD Is

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In reading the above scripture, I know that David is not talking about his heart muscle pumping blood, when he says his heart "trusted" and "rejoiceth!" We have a "natural" side and we have a "spiritual" side. Here David is looking at the spiritual side of his heart.

Our "natural" side is our fleshly nature; our old man; our worldliness. It's the part of us that is drawn to the world. It's the part of us that we as Christians must overcome.‬‬

There is a spirit realm all around us; there is light and there is darkness. The darkness will tell you "that is not true" unless of course you worship darkness, then it will acknowledge its existence.

God is light.  

“He (speaking of John the Baptist) was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”  John‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” 

John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV

When we become a Follower of The LORD Jesus Christ, and our eyes are opened, we must learn to look at the spiritual side of things around us, for everything that happens to us in the natural is rooted in the spiritual. 

EVERYTHING! 

God has His hand in everything, and is in control of everything. The devil tries to thwart God's purposes, and often times seems to be winning. We have a choice of whom we will agree with in every situation; God or satan. We have a choice of looking at a situation in the natural or the spiritual and dealing with it by our decision. 

“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

The devil whispers in our ear what he wants us to believe. We then have the choice to agree with him or not. Our words have power. When we agree with him, and speak it, we give him our power and it becomes real.  The devil knows that and tricks us into giving up our power for his evil purposes. We speak our fears and they come about!

God uses the things of the world (good and bad) for His purpose; in spite of us. 

“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 things occur; when there is a problem, those in the world have no choice but to react to what they see. We though, can and should examine the spiritual side first! 

We go to God! 

I say, "please show me LORD where I've missed it!" Or "LORD please expose in my heart what You want to show me!"  And He does! I then repent and I'm restored! 

Every healing I have received from God, came after I humbled myself, examined my heart and repented of my sin which He exposed. 

Those still tied to the world do not want to be told that healing comes from repentance of sin. But it is through repentance we become free.  

Before I fully surrendered and became obedient to God, I was on many prescriptions. After dealing with the sins hidden in my heart through confession and repentance, the doctors took me off of them all. It has been 5 years I've been healed and walking in health, through repentance. (James 5:16)

Looking at the spiritual side is not just for illnesses. The enemy can be attacking your finances, your marriage, your children, your job. Often times judgments we've made, as small children, against our parents or a siblings can have monumental effects on our lives and we never have a clue. Confession and repentance of unforgiveness and judgments not only can set us free but also our children, even if they are grown and live in another state. The spirit realm is not limited by time or space. God's hand is not too short! Often times the afflictions of our children are actually a result of unrepented sin in our own lives. Our obedience to The Word of God can set them free. 

If you would like to know more about deliverance and the healing effects of forgiveness and repentance, we have CDs we will be happy to send, at no cost or obligation to you. We will even pay the shipping. Private message me your address.

Ask God to show you The Truth. 

Repent while there is still time. 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

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

Who Shall Tell

“Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭11:14-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Two phrases in this passage jump out at me this morning.

"what was I, that I could withstand God?”

And 

"repentance to life.”

It occurs to me that we "withstand God", even today, when we refuse to obey His Word because it is contrary to our family traditions or what our denomination teaches. (Example: James 5:16) 

We are ignorant of His Word, because we don't read His Word; often times just pulling out scriptures that agree with our position on a situation. (Example: (Again) James 5:16)

"Withstanding God" is probably not a good idea. When He tells us to do something and we refuse, it does not bode well for us. After all, He is God and we are not! Our refusal is rebellion. (Read: 1 Samuel 15:23)

“Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.”  Jeremiah‬ ‭5:21-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we come to the end of ourselves and come to our senses, repentance is what is required; "repentance to life.”

Sin separates us from a Holy God. Sin brings death. Our repentance brings life!

“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”  James‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭

“As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repentance, turning away from our sin, brings life

re·pent·ance

rəˈpentəns/

noun

1. the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.

   "each person who turns to God in genuine repentance and faith will be saved"

   synonyms:

   remorse, contrition, contriteness, penitence, regret, ruefulness, remorsefulness, shame, guilt

True repentance brings a desire in our hearts to walk closer to God and to please Him!

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Submitting and surrendering to God is a byproduct of repentance. Because we have, through repentance, entered into life we desire to draw closer, because He is our desire!

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

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Matthew‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And He is still saying "Repent!"

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 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 ‭2:4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

What Has

What has your heart?

What has your mind?

What consumes your thoughts?

What has you distracted?

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)

If you are worried; if you are trying to figure out a problem that keeps you awake at night; if you feel like you have more on your plate than you can handle; if you don't know which way to turn for an answer to a situation, then you are being disobedient to the Word of God, and are in sin.

You have lost your focus! At this point God is not on the throne of your heart! You have pushed Him off and you have climbed up there and "self" has become your God! 

The enemy has distracted you and you have no peace!

So you recognize that you are in sin; what do you do?

You repent!

You get off the throne and invite God to take His rightful place, and then you take every thought captive, that would attempt to distract you again! 

It is a continual battle! But that is where we war! In the mind!

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

THINK on THESE things! 

Read you Bible! Think on scripture! Memorize and meditate on the things of God!

Let His WORD dwell in you richly - THAT is where peace comes from! That is where you find the quiet assurance! 

Let's face it! GOD IS IN CONTROL! We have no control! All of our efforts are to no avail! If our way was working, we wouldn't have the chaos and turmoil in our lives! When we step aside; when we choose to get out of God's way and let Him work in our lives - EVERYTHING falls into place!

 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJV)

You Pray!

You Trust!

You be Obedient!

You Rest!

You do your part - He WILL do His! He knows your need even before you do and He IS faithful even when we aren't!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones". (Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV)

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/24/14, 1/21/15, 4/15/16

Why?

Why do you repent?

Is it to make your life easier? To have things? To prosper in you work? 

Have you tasted the goodness and blessings of the LORD then fallen out of favor due to sin and yearn to be back in His good Grace? Do you feel his displeasure and long for the return of His mercy for ease of pain and suffering?

What is your motivator?

Your flesh or His pleasure?

Have you even considered what pleases God? Does it enter your mind His desires, or is it your "old man" that cries out for satisfaction with thought of nothing else?

How does He put up with us? 

“He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger for ever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we love Him, shouldn't obeying His commandments be our highest priority? 

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we love someone we want to please them; not disappoint them! If those are our intentions for our earthly parents, how much greater should that desire be for our Heavenly Father. 

When we broke our parents rules, we could expect punishment! Occasionally we might receive mercy and the threatened punishment be lessened, due to their love for us; when they deemed we had learned our lesson! However when the disregard for the rule became the norm we could expect the full sentence to be carried out! The same goes for us when we break civil law! Justice stands waiting to exact her price. 

There is no way we could pay for our sins against Him, so He, through His grace, extends mercy at our repentance! But true repentance is from the heart; not lip service! Repentance means turning away from sin! If we fail, and repent, He is quick to forgive! Yes, His mercies are new morning, and when we once again turn from doing evil His grace abounds! We move back under His blessings, however we are still left with the consequences our our actions! It's how we (like children) learn from our mistakes! You stick your hand in the fire you get burned. You learn so you don't stick your hand in there again!

There is no joy, there is no peace, there is nothing akin to feeling God's pleasure in your life. Loving God, and being loved by Him is beyond comparison to all earthly delights! All else pales!

When you repent, do it for the right reason! 

Do it for the Lover of your soul! Return to Him and return His Love! 

Find your purpose for existence!   

Him!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/22/14, 11/18/15, 6/27/16

A Revival

"A revival almost always begins among the laity. The ecclesiastical leaders seldom welcome reformation. History repeats itself. The present leaders are too comfortably situated as a rule to desire innovation that might require sacrifice on their part. And God's fire only falls on sacrifice. An empty altar receives no fire!" - Frank Bartleman

"An empty altar receives no fire!"

"God's fire only falls on sacrifice."

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” 

Psalms‬ ‭51:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart"

Where are the broken and contrite hearts?

Instead of embracing our brokenness and presenting it as an offering to God as a suitable sacrifice, we pray for healing and strength so that we may stand strong in our rebellion!

Our altars are empty! We don't offer up our idols! We don't offer our sacrifices! We don't offer our "self"!

We decorate our altars, with fake flowers and expect God to send His fire! Why He has not consumed all of us is beyond me. 

"“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” Leviticus‬ ‭10:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

‬‬

Across the globe yesterday men boasted of God's fire falling in their services, where their altars were void of sacrifice! Again I am reminded of the children's story "The Emperor's New Clothes." No one will state the obvious! 

God sees and He's heartbroken for a rebellious people. He's calling for us to turn back to Him in repentance! 

Last week, a giant gathering, of people looking for an experience with God was held, accompanied by signs and wonders! Everyone left feeling good! 

"“A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.” 

Matthew‬ ‭16:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.”  ‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It was huge! It was loud! It was big money maker! It was a counterfeit! 

There was report of a few people going to the original site and God moving all there to tears! 

The quote at the top of this post is from a man God used for the original Azusa Street Revival! There were no leaders; there were no names; no money was spent; it was only God! People came, not for an experience; they came out of brokenness; with tears!

""He shall purify the sons of Levi" (Malachi 3:3) God is going to make things so hot, so fiery, so intense that His people will driven to their knees with tears; crying out, Lord let it rain!" KC

Guard your heart! Do not be deceived! God is moving and people are turning to Him but it's only through brokenness and repentance! 

Do not pray for relief; surrender! 

Tear down your high places and and offer up your idols; those things you worship instead of God! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/18/16

This Is

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”  ‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oh, how I relate to this scripture! 

I noticed something this morning;  Paul does not say he "was" a sinner; he says "I am!" 

Those of you, who believe that you no longer sin, since Jesus came into your heart, please reconsider your denomination's stance. For if you believe you do not sin, then you will never know the freedom from sin, through repentance. 

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

‭‭James‬ ‭5:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When you do not read your Bible; when you only follow the traditions of men/denominations, it's easy to "err from the truth!" (That would be sin!)

The devil came in the garden and twisted God's Word, and has been doing it ever since. He is the one whispering in your ear, "hath God said?"  

Your enemy is the one telling you "you do not need to repent 'cause all that was taken care of at the cross!" 

Satan is the author of your compromise, for he does not want you walking on that narrow road of obedience to God's Word! He wants you to go with the crowd, on the broad path to destruction! 

How do I know? For I believed just like you! Then I began to read my Bible! God opened my eyes to The Truth! I saw the difference, and was convicted of the sin in my heart! 

When I was young I, too, had asked Jesus into my heart! However, I shortly thereafter, fell into sin and gave up on my Christian walk! I still "believed", but I did not live the life of a believer! I did not follow Jesus! 40+ years later, I heard about the ministry of forgiveness! I read: “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

I had so much unforgiveness in my heart, from so many hurts! Little by little, with great humility and much repentance, I've taken them to the cross! I had nothing to lose, for I had tried all the world had offered, to no avail!

In great despair, I confessed and repented and forgave in front of a brother and sister in The LORD, according to James 5:16, and God honored His Word! I was healed and delivered, because I obeyed! I now, walk in forgiveness and I walk in love and when I miss it, I repent!

See for yourself! Dust off your Bible and start reading in Matthew 1:1 and read to the end of Revelation! Then turn to the front, begin in Genesis 1:1 and read every page till you finish in Revelation! Then start again! In other words, don't stop reading! I promise you, you will never regret the time spent! Even if it's just 15 min a day; set time aside; make it a routine! 

Ask God to reveal Himself to you, through His Word! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

I Must Work

‬‬“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”  John‬ ‭9:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yes, it seems the days are shorter and darkness is greater, day by day. So, we too, must be about The Father's business and work! (Luke 2:49)

So what job has He given you?

Some of my friends are looking for jobs. Some of my friends are ready for retirement. Some of my friends love the work they do; some hate it. 

Wherever you are, is where you are called to "work"; whether you are employed or not! 

‬‬

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.”  John‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You've all heard the old adage, "bloom where you are planted", well it's time to "go to seed!"

Whether you are planting seeds in a pot or a 100 acre plot, you best plant if you want a harvest! That's your work! You are called to bear witness to what He has done in your life! You shed His light in this dark world! (Luke 8:5) (Mark 4:14)

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

‭‭John‬ ‭9:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

‬‬

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 

1 John‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As long as you have your eyes on the world you will be looking for better; better work, better pay, better days. That's why we are told to keep our eyes on Jesus! Wherever we are with Him; it doesn't get any better!!!! He is our source! In Him do we find satisfaction! In Him we find meaning! In Him our needs are met! Pleasing Him our desire, for we were made for Him! 

“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

Put your eyes on Jesus!

Keep them there!

If you are having trouble doing that, examine your heart! 

Sin keeps us from a right relationship. Ask God to show you if there is something there that is not pleasing to Him, and then confess and repent! 

Praise God for His mercy and His grace!

Now, get to work! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/10/16

Saying Go

“Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭28:26-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is a picture of today's church! He wasn't talking to unbelievers then and He's not talking to unbelievers today! This is directed to people who sit in church and are happy in their sins. They hear the Scriptures preached (albeit a watered down Gospel) week after week, year after year and are not convicted of the sins in their hearts to change. 

I was there! For years and years I sat and heard and was unchanged!

“who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:17‬b KJV‬‬

I don't know the exact day that my eyes were opened, however I can still see the congregation in front of me; the day I "Saw" for the first time! I saw the people's sin, and it's results. I saw the curse! (Deuteronomy 28:15-61) 

I had been daily reading my Bible for about a year, and God opened my eyes; He opened my ears and He changed my dead heart! I repented of my sins! I confessed my transgressions! And I was delivered and healed of my diseases and addictions!

My prayer for you today: That God may give you a hunger and thirst for His Word! That He would open your eyes, open your ears and change your heart! That you would come to know that God IS and He IS ABLE to give life to the dead and call into existence the things that do not exist! That He would save you to the uttermost! I pray this being fully convinced that HE IS ABLE to perform that which He has promised! My faith is unwavering in this regard! I see it as done! I give Him all of the glory!!!! In Jesus Name! Amen!

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:20-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/4/14, 6/17/15

Come And Hear

"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. (Psalms 66:16 KJV)

All of my intentions, when I went back to church, after my mother's death, were to not miss heaven; so I could see my mother again. I had no fear of God. However, through my quest for heaven, I found God, and oh how I fear Him now!

In reading my Bible everyday, I have become acquainted with Him and His ways! Everyday I fear Him more! As I feast on His Word, He sheds His love for me into my heart and I am amazed at His terrible mercy and His grace! 

"Come and see the works of God: He is terrible in His doing toward the children of men." (Psalms 66:5 KJV) 

In desiring to please Him; in committing to obedience to His Commandments, He has shown me His love, His integrity, and His great restraint in dealing with His creation! All I can say I am glad He is God; the mess we've made of our lives and our country, I'm sure none of us would continue to extend mercy to such as we! I look at how bad I was (am) and how He saved me; instead of destroying me in my sin and I am amazed; multiply that by billions! 

"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23, 24 KJV)

Try for a moment and wrap your head around Who God Is!

You may be thinking,"well if I believed in God . . . "! 

I am here to tell you just because you question His existence; in no way diminishes Him!  

He Is! 

And He Is More! 

Mere words cannot explain Him! 

I think explaining Who He is NOT might be better! He is not a genie in the bottle, who is at our beck and call! He is NOT Santa Claus who gives rewards when we are good! But, isn't that how we pray? Gimme, gimme, gimme! 

"But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation." (Jeremiah 10:10 NKJV) 

And it is coming!

Since the fall of mankind, when sin separated us from our Creator, He has raised men to exhort us to repentance! All throughout history we read of great men of God making it their life's purpose to cry out to a perishing world; to turn from sin and accept the free gift of salvation! God inspired them!

God reaching out to us!

How long Oh LORD? 

The Word speaks of a day when He will say "Enough!" It gives signs of what it will be like in the "Last Days"; it appears we are there!

We all know we won't live forever and that is why we consider Heaven! 

However, if you don't fear God, do you really think you will see it? If you do not obey His Word; have no respect for Him and His Commandments, do you think there will be a place for you there! 

The Word says if you won't forgive; you won't be forgiven, but yet you think you'll go to heaven! 

"“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."  (Matthew 6:14, 15 NKJV)

Please look at your heart!

Repent of your sins!

Time is so short!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/14/14, 5/2/15

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” 

Matthew‬ ‭12:34-37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

THAT alone should strike fear in your heart!

Repent, while there is still time! After death, there is no repentance. 

An Above All

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The NKJV uses the word "love" instead of "charity" and in my research I have found that "love" is not adequate in this verse; "charity" is so much more!

"Charity" by our definition falls short of its true meaning!

The "KJV Dictionary" 

gives several definitions:

  1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.

  2. In a more particular sense, love, kindness, affection, tenderness, springing from natural relations; as the charities of father, son and brother.

  3. Liberality to the poor, consisting in almsgiving or benefactions, or in gratuitous services to relieve them in distress.

  4. Alms; whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the poor for their relief.

  5. Liberality in gifts and services to promote public objects of utility, as to found and support bible societies, missionary societies, and others.

  6. Candor; liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to think and judge favorably, and to put the best construction on words and actions which the case will admit. The highest exercise of charity,

As you can see, "charity" is more than a gift or donation. 

"charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

So what does this mean for a Christian?   It means being Jesus to a lost and dying world!

I have a friend, who every time someone mentions something negative about someone, he always comes to their defense! I've for many years noticed, he always finds the good, in everyone! I now grasp, He refuses to be sucked into the enemy's accusations against a person; choosing instead to speak a blessing over them. He depicts charity.  He looks at them through Jesus, like God does us! 

Looking at my own life; God knew from the beginning of my life the steps I would take; how I would fail Him, year after year; yet He made provision for me to be reconciled to Him, through His Son's perfect sacrifice; upon my repentance of my sins. Looking at my own life as an example; there is no one who is unredeemable by the power of God! 

Choosing charity above judging an individual does not condone their sin; it gives grace; it gives mercy; it gives an opportunity for a miracle! 

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Anyone looking at me, would have judged me as hopeless. But, when God looked at me through The Blood of His Son Jesus, He saw the end result, of which He is still perfecting; for it is His work in me! 

And we are admonished to do the same! 

“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

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”  Romans‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Choosing charity over condemnation is choosing life over death. It's like casting a vote for the Power of God over the power of satan. And speaking light (instead of darkness) into a person's life can have "life-changing" effects!

If God can redeem me, He can redeem anyone! 

I love the Charles Spurgeon quote: "If any man thinks ill of you do not be angry with him, for you are worse than he thinks you to be!"

For I know there is no good in me save what God has done and is doing through His saving power.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My prayer: Father God, I come to you having nothing I can boast in, but I boast in You; Your mercy; Your grace; Your love! LORD I repent of all of the judgments I've made against my fellow man. I repent of all of the times I've sided with the enemy in my evaluation. You are God and I am not. Father, I choose to obey You and give charity; to speak life and light into those whose lives You are working. No matter what it looks like, I know You are able to give life to the dead and I love You and thank You LORD for doing so in my life!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

For We Are

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?" (II Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15-16‬ NKJV)

We are a people who are obsessed with how we smell! But do we ever think about the fragrance we present to God? 

God obviously is interested in what looks and smells beautiful or He wouldn't have made the flowers with their beauty and their fragrance, that brings delight to even the hardest of hearts! Not to mention giving us noses to appreciate both good and bad aromas! 

So what do we smell like to God? Does He compare us to the fragrance after a spring rain or rotted fruit; honeysuckle on a warm breeze or a dead skunk on the road?

When He is our principle purpose; when we make Him first in everything we do, not only does our countenance change, but everything changes about us! We bring love, light and life into a room when we enter! Whereas when we don't know or walk with Him we bring darkness. We all can think of someone we dislike being around because their attitude "stinks"!

So this morning after you shower, use deodorant, and spray perfume on, consider also what aroma you will present to God! Will He smell Christ on you?

If not, repent! 

There is nothing that stinks more than a cold, dead heart!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/9/14

My People

"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)

I can't count the number of times I've heard "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" quoted from the pulpit over the years. And truer words were never spoken. The church at large is ignorant of God's Word, for lack of spending time in study! 

But I can't think of many sermons I've heard on her rejecting knowledge, and today that is true in great abundance around the world. 

I love the old saying, "the devil tried to destroy the church, and when he couldn't, he joined it."  His twisting of God's Word began in the garden and continues this day. And everyday I see evidence of people who believe they are following Jesus going down a path that becomes wider with every step! (Matthew 7:13)

The Truth is being preached, but people prefer a softer gentler message. They are rejecting knowledge and following a "different Jesus". (2 Corinthians  11:4)

The Truth is hard! The walk is full of persecution and rejection often by people we love or respect. The Truth is lonely because it requires separation from idols that others refuse to lay down. The Truth is painful because it requires obedience to God's Word and laying aside pride in humility and transparency! The Truth means dying daily on our cross, not just wearing it around our neck.

(1 Corinthians 15:31) 

Why would God send His Son to die for our sins, admonish us to repent up until the very last book in The Bible and then let us live like kings and queens here and give us our every desire for a cushy life? Isn't that what is being preached? The nonsensical Gobleygook that is being embraced in the name of Jesus is plain rejection of The Truth that has the only power to set us free? The counterfeit message entraps and enslaves and is accomplishing its goal of sending people to hell! 

The sugar coated gospel twisting mercy and grace into a salvation that guarantees ones admission into a glorious eternity, bears no resemblance to the walk that Jesus Himself said we must walk!  

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."(‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ NKJV)

The uncompromised Truth, brings freedom through obedience! No more fear. No more worry. No more anger. No more rejection. (Worry, fear, rejection are all torments from the devil; a result of the sin! They are unbelief!)

Freedom from fear and worry is available and can't be bought through a pharmacy nor is it bestowed by a benevolent god that nods at our sin. Their god's very acceptance of our sins would not have required Jesus' death for our salvation. 

Freedom from the consequences of the sin, we harbor in our heart, IS available through obedience (repentance and confessing our sins one to another as commanded in James 5:16). THAT freedom (from past sins that are brought into The Light) and deliverance is received when we come to the end of ourself and willingly give up all rights to our will for His will! It's a "whatever it takes God" moment that changes a lifetime!

"It's so simple, but simple is the hardest thing you will ever do!" (Chet Murrell)

Jesus came to set the captives free, and He still IS!

Repent before it gets worse! "Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children."

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/24/15, 4/6/16