The Curse

“The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I love Proverbs; the truth, the wisdom; God Himself giving us guidelines for our daily living! The first "How To" book! 

Middle eastern religion calls "it" karma; 

science - cause and effect; 

in tech talk - IF ____ ➡️ THEN!

All "it" is, is The Laws God put into motion when He created the universe. (Example: You drop something it falls to the ground - for all people; whether they know God or not!)

You want to be blessed - you follow God's law! 

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”  Proverbs‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you break God's law there stands the curse. 

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:11-12‬ ‭KJV

The Law tells us what God considers sin and exposes the sins in our life (whether our denomination believes it or not)! (Read Deuteronomy)

The curse comes on us when we refuse to repent. The more we sin, the more of the curse we receive; God trying to get our attention! God does not bless sin! He does extend Mercy and Grace, but they are not a license to continue in our sins! The longer we put off repentance, the more severe our punishment! 

If you are His, and you are obedient to His word; walking in forgiveness and repentance, then He will correct you when you blow it! You will KNOW when you have sinned! You feel it in your heart! That's called conviction; it is painful and it is wonderful, all at the same time! When you repent, you step back into God's Blessings!

It is practically impossible to go through a day without "missing it"- so if you are not feeling conviction when you sin, then your heart is not right before God! (Evidence of sin is anger, judgement, unforgiveness, fear, worry, envy, lust; just to name a few.)

It starts out: we sin and God calls us on "it" and we repent. Then we might get tested again, blow it, and we feel our "conscience" at the time, but we think (the enemy tells us) "oh that wasn't so bad", and we don't repent. We do it again and the conviction is not as strong or has disappeared altogether; "we've crossed the line" and a "backsliding"state has begun! The more often we sin the less we feel it! 

The really bad thing about being "backslidden is that the enemy deceives us into thinking we are "okay"! Only prayer, God's Word and repentance can repair a hard heart! 

The Good News is that God is reaching out to you right now, wanting to bring you into right standing with Him! 

Repent and choose to turn from wickedness! Cry out to God for He loves you and His mercy is new every morning!  It is your choice whether you stay in your sin or choose to walk in fellowship with God! 

“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. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent, for today is the day of Salvation. You are not guaranteed tomorrow!

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”  Proverbs‬ ‭3:13-15‬ ‭KJV

Be blessed!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/30/14

“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.”  ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And As He

“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew‬ ‭24:3-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Today, we read these words; we know we are living in these days. What hit me is: “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” and “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Those whose "love shall wax 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 yet call them out of the darkness into the light - because of prayers!

We have a choice and an obligation to "endure to the end” - so we can pray!

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, obedience and endurance! We give because He gave! We pray for our brothers, because someone prayed for us; and He still does.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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 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

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 that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans‬ ‭13:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/6/15

Though He Slay

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:” Job‬ ‭13:15‬a KJV‬‬

Everyone will, at some point, be there! 'No matter what happens, I will still trust Him!" The only other option is to turn away from Him! 

And that is not a choice, for He IS all there IS! 

The enemy is waiting for you to be disappointed enough, (when God doesn't answer your prayer like you want) to tell you: “God let you down!” 

The enemy is a liar and wants your soul! He wants you to turn your back on God not because he has anything better to offer, but because he knows that God loves you, and he is out to hurt God! 

What is really amazing to me is that after turning our back on God and living like the devil, He will extend His mercy and grace and welcome us back, when we turn from our wicked ways and repent!

Running from God does not work, for He is always there - just in case we change our mind and repent.

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The devil will tell you, “you’ve gone too far!” “That you’ve crossed the line”, when you accuse God of not being powerful enough to answer your prayer; to heal your loved one; to bring back your wayward child;  to save your marriage, etc! The enemy will always lie to you, that is what he does! He accuses you, your friend, your spouse, your employer, your God! If the voice you are listening to, accuses anyone (especially yourself) know that the truth IS the opposite! If he says God doesn't love you, you can take it to the bank that God indeed DOES!  If he tells you that you don't have to do something, then you best DO it!!! 

For example: I have found when I have sinned and my heart convicts me, and the devil says, “Oh, you're okay - you don't have to call and confess it,” I BEST PICK UP THE PHONE, CONFESS AND REPENT!!! If I hear his voice telling me, “you're okay” I KNOW I'm NOT!

The only thing in this life that truly matters is our relationship with God! Our life is not about what we acquire, it's all about eternity and everything we do or not do, will impact where we spend it, after death! We can not earn salvation for it is a free gift from God, however we do have a part and that is overcoming the trials set before us, overcoming and finishing the race to the end! The choice is to go on and draw closer to The LORD, or turn away and follow the lusts of the flesh! The easy path or the hard path! 

Oh, and don't think for a second the easy path is easy, THAT is also a lie! Walking with the devil is hell on earth AND for eternity!

Again this life is not about here and now! And no matter how hard we try to live, we all will die!

There is an old saying "we don't get out of this life alive!"

However, that is also a lie! For we will all live after death! The soul does not die and we will be either be forever present with The LORD OR in eternal torment with the devil! 

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And we will not escape the judgment! The voice that's says that "THAT is a lie" is lying to you!

Bottom line: time is running out for all of us! No one knows when we will die, we just know we will! There is no chance for repentance after death!

Please, please, please repent while there is still time! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/9/15

But Peter

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

For I cannot but speak the things which I have seen and heard!!!

Three years ago I was introduced to The Power of Forgiveness ministry.

I read for myself in The Word of God the commandment to forgive and chose to take God at His Word. 

I confessed and repented of my sins of unforgiveness, bitterness and judgements, that I had held in my heart since my youth and God delivered me from my bondage. He healed me! I didn't make excuses. I humbled myself, laying down my pride. I had tried already, everything the world had to offer (to no avail) and having nothing to lose, I chose God! I chose to believe on Him! I chose to take Him at His Word! And He showed Himself trustworthy! Everything He promised I received! I am not special. He is no respecter of persons, if He will do for one -  He will do for all. 

The difference is obedience. I humbled myself! I acknowledged my sins and confessed to a brother and sister (James 5:16) my sins of unforgiveness, judgements, fornication, adultery, drug addiction; and have continued (in the subsequent years) to confess every sin God has revealed to me; that lay hidden in my heart. As He's "peeled my onion", layer by layer, He's cleaned me up! I was nothing, "a zero"! I had nothing to lose; I couldn’t get any lower. What pride? What stature in the church? Praise God, I was not a Pharisee! I was just the beggar at the gate yelling for Jesus! And He healed me!!! And I have to shout it from the rooftops!

Today, like in the early church, the enemy tries to divide. He causes dissensions at every opportunity and envy and gossip are his greatest tools! When a church is praying for revival, unity is paramount! Divide the church, no revival! Deception of motive: instead of looking at their own hearts the people look at everyone else! Distractions at every turn, keeping their eyes off the prize! Excuses of their own behavior; pointing fingers at scapegoats! The future indeed looks dim! However God IS in control and revival comes - in individual hearts!

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” ‭Acts‬ ‭20:29-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God is still speaking through His Word to encourage the faithful! He is still speaking through brothers and sisters who are faithful to obedience! He is still God and He is still on His Throne! He will have His way in those who are submitted to Him!

Do not harden your hearts! Repent and be changed! He is able to perform all He has promised! He is all we need!

He IS all!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/2/14

Do You Know

“Do you know Jesus?”

In the early 70's, a Jesus Freak came up to me in a park, and asked me that question. I looked in his eyes and believed he knew something I didn't know. That day I "asked Jesus into my heart", and got on the roller coaster (which accurately describes my walk with The Lord); UNTIL two years ago; when I was introduced to The Power Of Forgiveness ministry. 

I KNOW Jesus now!

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:10-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is a huge difference in "knowing" and "knowing of" someone. Reading about the life of a celebrity, and memorizing facts concerning their career does not mean you have a relationship with that person. Seeing their movies or listening to their songs does not mean that you are in fellowship with them. 

Talking with, spending time in their presence, listening to their counsel, eating, drinking, sleeping with them, gives you a greater insight into what makes them them, than hearsay!  When you spend time with a person long enough you begin to take on their characteristics and mannerisms! 

Again, I ask do you KNOW Jesus? 

Can people tell if you have been in His presence? 

Do you KNOW that He IS God? 

Are you aware of His power? 

Do you FEAR Him? 

Do you love Him so much that you are willing to share in His sufferings?  

Are you putting to death the old man; dying daily, in the hope of being resurrected in Him? 

Are you willing to count the cost? Give up everything for Him?

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”

Has Jesus Christ apprehended you? 

Are you FOLLOWING after?

Is He your desire? 

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect,”

I am following after; I am being perfected; and I will attain because I choose to seek Him; get as close to Him as possible! 

You want to know what your purpose is on this earth? Why you were born? Why you are here? 

To be like Jesus! 

He is the answer to every question!

Our lives have no meaning without Him. Leave no lasting mark. We are a vapor, soon forgotten; as if we have never existed! 

Way back then, when I asked Jesus into my heart, I did not make Him LORD! That is why my walk was up and down; hot and cold!  Oh, I was in love with Jesus, but I was still in love with the world; I had not sold out. 

When I confessed and repented of my sins, in obedience to His Word, I made Him LORD! He became my everything! Knowing Him (spending time in fellowship); becoming like Him  - obedient to The Father (walking in love and forgiveness); being His arms and His hands (feeding His sheep); I promise you, is the only fulfillment this life has to offer.  

You want an exciting life?

Get your eyes off of you, allow the Creator of The Universe free reign in your life, and watch the miracles unfold!

Let Him “apprehend” you!

Make Him your Principal Purpose!

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/8/14

Seek Ye

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Seek The LORD while He may be found . . . While He is near . . . He is near the broken hearted!

Many think they are broken hearted, but until you have a contrite spirit - you are not yet broken! 

Broken hearted people are not just sad, they are repentant!

con·trite

kənˈtrīt,ˈkäntrīt/

adjective

1. feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.

   "a broken and a contrite heart"

   synonyms:

   remorseful, repentant, penitent, regretful, sorry, apologetic, rueful, sheepish, hangdog, ashamed, chastened, shamefaced, conscience-stricken, guilt-ridden

Brokenness is nowhere to turn but to God! Brokenness is where you have exhausted every means available and surrender! You get to the point, you realize you have no other option! That is where you finally humble yourself and say, "Okay, LORD, I'm Yours, such as I am! Do with me as You will!" At that point of surrender, repentance is made! That is where you turn around! 

It is a heart thing!

Saying "I repent" with your mouth, is not repentance! Repentance is a complete and total turnaround of flesh and spirit! Giving-up of self! Then and only then can God work in and through you! 

Surrender is hard, that's why it takes such drastic events to bring us to that point! Our flesh does not want to give up the fight! Even our denomination tells us to be strong - which as long as we are "standing strong" we are standing in the flesh! 

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As long as we are "standing strong", but have not submitted to obedience, we are not being made to stand by Him, but are doing it in our own might! We are "talking the talk, without walking the walk!"

Confession (of The Word) without obedience to The Word of God is as witchcraft!

The enemy knows there is power in the words we speak, so he twists the Word, so even though we think we are doing right, we are in error, thereby nullifying our efforts!

“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

We obey all but one line of this scripture, rendering it all disobedience! Surrender means laying down your pride;  humbling yourself before God and a brother/sister; saying, "I've done it all wrong; I repent for my sin of unforgiveness and judging - forgive me!" That is obedience and that's when God does miracles! That's when freedom comes! That's when healing comes! That's when you become His child! You actually take on His nature! 

Not confessing your sin, before a trusted brother or sister is direct defiance to His Word and right where the enemy wants you! It keeps you prideful, just like him!

I know for a fact that this is Truth! For 60 years I was like that; doing what I had been taught! When I became broken, a friend pointed me to the Truth and (having tried all that man had to offer) I (in obedience) confessed my sins to a brother and sister in The LORD and I was healed! I was delivered! And I have stayed that way! I chose to obey the Word of God instead of the traditional doctrine and it changed my life! 

Please repent, while there is still time!

There will come a day for all of us, when time runs out!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 2/10/15

For Thou Desirest Not

“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

Have you ever been broken? 

Are you broken now?

Do you know that that is a very good place to be?

When you come to the end of yourself, that is when you find God! 

As long as you are trusting that "you can" -  He won't! 

The purpose, of the very storm you are going through, is to bring you to where you need God! If you still have plans on how you will get out of the mess; overcome this trial; be or stay strong, then you don't need God! It's when the options have run out and you throw your hands up and surrender, that He steps in! 

If you are praying for a person or a situation, and yet are still in your own strength trying to "help God", you are tying His hands! 

Do you remember when your children were young; them attempting to do something for the first time and you wanting to help them, but they pushed you away because the were determined to do it themselves; so you stepped back and kept your hands off! Well God is like that too! When His children have gotten themselves in a pickle and ask for His help but won't relinquish control, He just steps back and waits until we've exhausted all avenues; until in desperation we cry out to Him, "Help me LORD!"

The world and the church believe that God wants us to be strong. That is a lie! 

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we come to the end of ourselves; when we humble ourselves before God and cry out to Him, then He will act!

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Being strong in The LORD, is not relying on our own abilities! 

If you can do it; if you are "staying strong" then you are getting the glory and THAT does  not please God! He wants all the glory!

If you step away and let Him have total control; if you don't help Him; THEN you will see a miracle occur and there will be no doubt that He did it! He WILL get ALL the glory!

He may or may not use man to accomplish His task, but I promise you, the solution will be in His perfect timing and you WILL know it was God!

Do let go of the control that you THINK you have!

Repent of trying to be God!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/12/14

The Man That

“The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I love Proverbs?  Do I read them as often as I should? No!

Proverbs cut to the chase and point us back in the right direction! No mincing of words! It just says it like it is!  Keep'n it real!

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Has anyone else noticed that people do not want to be told that they are wrong? Whether it be in what they think, say or do; they do not want correction!

“And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭5:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” Proverbs‬ ‭21:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We desire a "pain free" society! We don't want to live with pain. We are insulated as much as possible from discomfort of any kind. We are sheltered and demand comfort on every level, even in our religion. 

No - especially in our religion!

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Word of God is supposed to point us back to the right direction when we have taken the wrong path. If we have sin, it convicts us and tells us to repent! There is no salvation without repentance.

Conviction hurts! Those who don’t want it, call it “condemnation!”

“The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.” (Heart)

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20:30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we come face to face with our sin - it hurts! It is supposed to! Just like when you stick your hand in the fire, the pain teaches you not to do that again.  So the Word of God causes our heart to hurt when we see where we do wrong; so we won't do it again! 

Our rebellion is so ingrained in us that we seek to go to churches that make us feel good and pick and choose scripture that encourage instead of reprove!

And we question how our children; how our society has become so lawless!

We can't fix what's wrong in this world. It's too late!

All we can do is turn back (repent) to God and pray that He changes our own hearts - to make us worthy of spending eternity with Him. 

The desire for Him, and for Him to make you into the image of His Son has to come from inside you! Pray that He plants and waters that seed. 

Don't desire to be free of pain, desire to be free from sin; unforgiveness, worry, fear, lust, bitterness, envy, jealousy, gossip, grumbling and complaining, unbelief, lying, adultery, stealing, addictions . . .

For His Son is coming back for a Bride without spot or wrinkle and there's not much time left for Him to iron out those wrinkles! 

Wrinkle free requires heat. It requires pressure. It requires time spent with the Person holding the iron. Ironing is hard! That's why man developed "permanent press"! Again a short cut to the end, for our quick solution society!  

The only "permanent press" I want is "forever" under His heat! 

Oh Father, please don't let up until I'm fit to be worn - as Your Beloved!

Repent church!!!!!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/15/14

Are You

Are you going to 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 ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus, in the above verse, is speaking to people who believed they were okay and Heaven bound! And again, to the deceived, in the verse referenced below:

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John‬ ‭8:44‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In the last two weeks I've heard reports of many deaths, and the hearing of these two, may cause you to question your eternal destination. 

Are you ready to die?

Some friends were doing work on a couple's house. They left some Forgiveness brochures and the next day the man, out of the blue confessed that they were not married. My friends prayed with the man and he repented of his sins. The very next day, he went fishing and died. My friends were amazed and so thankful that they had been obedient to The Holy Spirit. 

Yesterday, I heard of some gentlemen who had gone to a football game, out of state, and on the way back home one of the guys, in the back seat fell asleep and they realized, quite a while later, he had died! 

I'm sure many of us can relate a story of a friend or loved one recently dying. Death is no respecter of age, economic status, or denomination! We do not know when we will die. We are only assured we will! 

Death is the only guarantee in life!

Do you fear death?

If you do, then that is your soul letting you know there is something wrong. And that "something" is sin! If you have unresolved/unrepented sin in your life, then you are not ready! 

You may have bought the ticket, earlier in your life, but haven't gotten on the train! You are still standing on the platform and when the train pulls out you will not be on it! You have got to unload your baggage and give it to The Porter, for you cannot take it with you!

You have got to repent! 

You may go to church or watch it on tv; listen to Christian music; maybe even read your Bible every now and then, or sing in the choir. Or maybe you are a deacon, elder or pastor in the church. It doesn't matter your position; if you are holding onto unforgiveness in your heart, Jesus said you are not forgiven!

Jesus speaking again: “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 (Matthew 18:21-35)

In other words, if you don't repent and forgive those who have hurt you, you will not go to heaven, no matter what your denomination teaches!

Examine your heart! You may say you have forgiven many times, however, if "it" still hurts, then it's not forgiven! 

One other thing - if you long for heaven to escape the trials of this life, because it so hard here, then you also need to examine your heart! The trials that we go through are from God to purify us! They are refining fires if you are walking with God! He's coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle! He's got to wash you clean and press out those sins!

Count it all joy! He only reproves His own!

Jesus did not die in payment of your sins for you to continue in them! 

Repent while there is still time! 

If you need to talk, PM me! 

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 10/28/14

And Ye My Flock

“And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭34:31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What a comfort! 

He IS God, and we are not!

You know, when you assume His role as God in your life, there is no peace. 

There is fear of failure! There is worry - the "what ifs"! There is the torment in the night of not being able to shut down your brain so you can sleep, so there is no rest. There is the responsibility of the world on your shoulders! Everything and everybody's very existence hinges on your performance! 

I am so thankful I abdicated! 

See, I carried that weight for what seemed like forever. I am now, no longer Ruler over my land! I gave up that role and sold out to The One Who bought and paid for it all; for me! I gladly serve Him, and Him alone! There is great freedom in being only a servant.

He is my Provider!

He is my Healer!

He fights all of my battles

He is my LORD! 

He is my everything!

I am nothing except His!

I am so happy to be free! And no one can take that away nor snatch me out of His hands! I belong to Him!

You can too! 

Step away from The Throne!

Repent!

Father, I come to you asking for Your forgiveness for not letting You be God. I repent of my unbelief in thinking I needed to control everything and that You weren’t big enough. I acknowledge You, and only You, control everything in my world. I thank You for Your mercy and Your grace and ask You to take control over every facet of my life. You ARE God and I am not, and for that I am grateful and I praise Your Holy name.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/26/14

Neither With You

“Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; But with him that standeth here with us this day before the Lord our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day: (For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by; And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:) Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:” Deuteronomy‬ ‭29:14-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It was in reading this book that THE LORD opened my eyes many years ago! It was in reading The Curses that I was made aware of their existence in my life and the lives of those in the church around me! Reading this morning I weep in gratitude for His mercy and grace that called me out, instead of leaving me in darkness!

“Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I am amazed He gave me, a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear! 

Me! 

He showed me my sins!

And He showed me The Curse operating in my life! 

I had been told I was Blessed! 

I was lied to, by the church!

“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭29:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can say all day long that we are no longer under that old covenant and that the law was fulfilled, and you would be right! 

We do have a better covenant! 

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew‬ ‭22:37-40‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Love! 

That's all we have to do!

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It's a better or New Covenant! 

An easier covenant; or is it?

When was the last time you loved The Lord with all of your heart; having no one or thing above Him? Not your children? Not your spouse? Not your career? When was the last time you loved your neighbor (brother, sister, coworker, employer, ex-spouse) as you love yourself? When was the last time you put Jesus above your wants and desires? 

Yes, when we miss it, there is mercy and grace! If not we would already be dead! Instead we move out from under His hedge of protection (Blessings) and into the world which is cursed! 

“If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE Lord THY GOD; Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:58-59‬ ‭KJV‬‬ (Read both chapters of Deuteronomy 28 and 29 and tell me you don't see the curse operating in all of the lives around you!)

The curse is supposed to be so uncomfortable that we don't want to stay there, but repent and move back under God's protection! 

Don't you see, "great plagues, and of long continuance, — and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance”

everywhere you look?

Oh, people it's past time to repent! It's time to stop following the dictates of your heart and obey the WORD of THE LORD!

The argument goes: “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Galatians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It stands to reason however, conversely, "if you are led by the "flesh", then you are back under the law! (Milton Green)

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Not to mention the sins of - unforgiveness, gossip, grumbling and complaining, pride, bitterness, fear, worry, and unbelief!

Church, we are running out of time! 

Examine your heart! Ask The LORD to reveal to you the sins you have hidden there and repent! Ask Him to open your eyes and ears and give you His heart, before it's too late for you and everyone you love! 

We must reach our world with The Truth and your family is your world!

Repent!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/4/16

No Fear

No Fear

The statement "No Fear" has a greater significance than I ever, ever would've imagined!

I've written about fear of God, and man not fearing God, many times. But this morning its significance is much closer to home. The lack of fear of God causes man to rebel against His laws. We are seeing an ever increasing amount of crimes in the young and in the old and it is all because of no fear of reprisal

Adolescents do not fear their parents; their parents do not fear the law; the elderly fear everything; and no one fears God.

 We are a hardhearted; stiff-necked; rebellious people who think we can do it ourselves - that we know best; that nothing is going to happen so we break the law every day. If we're not breaking the law of the land,  we are breaking God's law. We hold  onto unforgiveness - we hold on to anger - we have no shame about fear or worry although they are sin - we walk according to the traditions of men and we give lip service to the love of God.

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

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I was a young teenager I fell in with a friend who back-talked her mother all the time. The first time I heard her, I was embarrassed at the way she spoke to her mom. But as the  Bible says "bad company ruins good morals". Next thing I knew I was back-talking my mother; I developed a real smart mouth. One day, I sassed my mom and she hauled off and smacked me - right in the face. I was stunned but, I knew I deserved it! I quickly apologized and swore I would never do it again. I didn't change friends, however, and continued to hang around that girl. The next thing I knew, out of my mouth came another smart alecky remark. My mother raised her hand to hit me again, and I caught it with both of my hands, and remorsefully apologized again and again; swearing I would never do it again and I did not. I knew what I was going to get. I knew it was wrong. And I knew I didn't want to feel that again. So I changed my ways and friends.

Feeling the pain of the punishment, and the threat of future punishment, impacted me. I also knew then, that my mother was as good as her word.  I knew when she said “don't do it,” I'd better not do it.

God has great mercy and gives grace, but His judgments are sure and you can "take it to the bank" that what you sow, you will reap; either in this life or the next.

We believe, because we do not see and feel the punishment immediately, (in most cases) that He forgets. Or that He's gonna let it slide. Or maybe He's just forgotten. Or maybe we don't believe in God or that He will do what He says. Maybe we are like rebellious children who know that our parents give idle threats. That they are not going to follow through. Maybe our kids see us sin against God and realize we don't respect Him or fear Him, so why should they respect or fear us. 

From the grandparents, to the parents,  to the children on down, we are a lawless society who have no fear of anything. But yet we crave fear. When our adrenaline gets stimulated, from faux fear and nothing happens to us, it reinforces the knowledge and feelings in our minds that nothing is going to happen. But God will not be mocked and we will reap what we sow; we will pay.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians‬ ‭6:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  ‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/27/15

How Do You

How do you "Press on" when you are "hard pressed"?

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“We are troubled (hard-pressed) on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Put your eyes on (or back on) the prize, and leave them there! 

What you are going through (the storm, the trial, the test) is a distraction to get your eyes off of Jesus! "Pressing on" in these tests; keeping your eyes on Jesus, is how you endure the refining fires! These tests are for your own good!

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we take our eyes off of Jesus, the enemy's lies, will capture us. It's a choice of obedience; listen to God's Truth or devil's lies! (God: "Trust Me, keep your focus on Me, I've made a Way for you") OR ( devil: "look around you - this will never end"); Your choice who you "hear"!

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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 ‭4:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

However, it is impossible to do this in the flesh! 

If you have unrepented sin in your life, like unforgiveness, bitterness, judgements, you have given place to the enemy and your resistance of him is futile! 

It is impossible to forget your past if you are still holding on to unforgiveness! Because it is not past; it is still present! You can't just "put it behind you" if it is still in front of you!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Resisting your master, when you are a slave to sin, is to no avail! He owns you! 

Get rid of the hidden sins in your heart, by humbling yourself, confessing your sins to one another, forgiving, and repenting, and God WILL set you free! (James 5:16)

Then you can resist the enemy! Then you become a Child Of God! Then He fights your battles and corrects you in His Love to refine and purify, and make you into His image!

 

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:13-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 6/1/14

Brethren I Count Not

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now - more than ever, press on!

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Personally, politically, economically, globally; the ONLY way we can be anxious for nothing, in these dark days, is to keep our focus on The LORD Jesus Christ!

“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

Remember - God IS in control! From the most insignificant to the most insurmountable; there is absolutely nothing that is out of His reach or influence! 

He has you and me right where He wants us, to refine us in His fire! And trusting Him is most important! 

The devil will paint pictures in our  minds of everything that can go wrong and doubt and unbelief will try and take up residence! Don't give in! We must repent of our sins so as not to give him a foothold! We must walk in love. Walk in forgiveness. Walk in repentance! 

“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

Now more than ever, we must discipline ourselves.

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

Set time aside daily to read your Bible and fellowship with Him! Fall back in love with The Lover of your soul! Pray for a hunger and a thirst for His Word; that it may come alive in you! 

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:24-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now, more than ever, make Him the Principle Purpose of your life, for time is short!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

3/2/16

Ye Adulterers

“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

Have you ever considered what "friendship of the world" means?

I'm sure most church goers would play this scripture down. Many would say, "well God knows my heart.” 

Most think that I have gone too far, because I take issue with movies, music, books (and the like) about the occult or witchcraft! 

Why do we listen to the devil when he says that "God winks at that stuff?” “That it's not real!” “Well, we live in different times now!” “It can't be that bad!"

I'm here to tell you God does not wink at sin, and He takes witchcraft, satanism, idolatry, and sorcery very seriously! Here are some more scriptures addressing this sin!

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭15:23‬a ‭KJV‬‬

“A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” Leviticus‬ ‭20:27‬ ‭KJV 

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” ‭Revelation‬ ‭21:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” Leviticus‬ ‭20:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

All sin is pleasurable for the moment. No sin is worth going to hell for. When we dabble in the things that offend God there are consequences. We open ourselves up for demonic activity in our lives. He looses the tormentors upon us and then we cannot understand why our lives fall apart. Our sin brings upon us the curse of God. (Read Deuteronomy)

It all comes down to who/what has your heart.

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What's at stake here is your heart!  

Who will have your heart?

God wants your heart, and so does satan.

It's your choice but it has to be one or the other! God won't share His throne!

His commandment is quite plain!

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Thou shalt have none other gods before me.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

To put it a bit plainer: IF You think that playing around with books and movies about God's enemy is okay with Him, then He is not your God. You have already chosen the other side! You are in darkness, not light!

It is time to repent! 

These are serious times and it's time to get serious about our walk! The narrow path has no room for things of the world! It's a hard road, with not much traffic on it. You see your friends and your family may not be on it, and may want you to stay on the broad path with them! But you can't walk on both! It's one or the other! Jesus walked it and we are expected to also. 

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

“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:29-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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

Ask yourself why you are attracted to the darkness. Examine your heart.  Then choose to walk in the light and repent of your sin for the time is short! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 3/5/16

Earlier This Week

Earlier this week someone posted: "can the devil read your thoughts?"

This is what I know to be true. 

No, the devil cannot; he doesn't have to, for he is the one putting the evil thoughts in your head. 

You see, not every voice in your head is your own!

There are three voices in our head. The enemy's voice (loud, controlling, accusatory, demeaning); God's voice (a still small voice speaking His Word, guiding us in righteousness); and our voice (the one we choose to come into agreement with, when we speak!) 

My post yesterday morning was an old one, that I revised a bit. What was on my heart was whose voice we listen to, and how to discern the difference.  

Then immediately, a friend/pastor posted a message from Carter Conlon that said, "in other words, The Lord commands us to have a change of heart; to agree with Him and turn from what is wrong. LISTEN TO GOD'S VOICE"

Then on my way to work I listened to the cd, ‘The Power Of Forgiveness’ by Ken Carpenter (which I have done almost every month for the past 4 years.)

When Bro Ken said the following sentence, I had to stop the cd! 

"I had agreed with the devil"

See the pattern?

How do you agree with the devil? 

You listen to his voice whispering in your ear when he tells you, "you have every right to be mad; or "you don't deserve to be treated that way"; or "if he/she cared - they wouldn't have . . . "; or (you get the picture!)

And then you speak it! 

You say it out loud!  

THAT is coming into agreement with the thought. 

See, it doesn't matter what someone else does or says; what matters is your obedience and relationship with God!

God knows, the struggle is in your mind and He gave us His Word with which to fight the enemy!

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Word says:‬‬

“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

“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

God is soooooo trying to get our attention! He knows we try, but listening to the enemy's voice has taken us off the narrow path! We think we are okay. The church has been so deceived! God is saying: "Hear Me! Obey Me! Listen to My voice! Don't listen to the devil, and do not agree with him!"

He's giving us a message; will you listen?

Still reading in Jeremiah: 

“Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭44:4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Instead they listened to “lying spirits!‬‬”

“And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭22:21-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How do you know?‬‬

“But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The enemy will whisper in your ear, and tell you lies. He will also whisper in the ears of those you love or respect, and they, not knowing the truth, will speak what they hear and it will hurt you! That is the devil's intent; to hurt you, to bring you down, to distract you from keeping your eyes on God! If you are concentrating on what the devil is doing you are NOT concentrating on what God wants you to do!  

You have a choice, to whose voice you will listen; to whose voice you will obey! 

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew‬ ‭12:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We must repent for listening to the devil; we must repent for believing his lies; for saying and doing what he directed - being distracted by him. We must be mindful of his ways and cast down his arguments. We must keep our focus on Jesus so we may be used by Him, and Him alone!

Father, I confess that I have listened to the lies of the enemy. Forgive me for entertaining the devil's thoughts. I repent of my sin and for time wasted on his distractions! Thank You Father for showing me my sin , and forgiving me when I confess and turn back to You! I purpose in my heart to listen for Your voice and to follow You! Thank you Father for Your mercy and Your grace, and for picking me back up, when I fall! I choose to obey Your Word and walk in Your ways!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/4/16

And Fear Came

“And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”  Acts‬ ‭2:43‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What fear?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you? 

Most don't!

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Fear of God does not follow signs and wonders; it's the opposite. 

But guard your heart!

Jesus speaking of end times: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” ‭Matthew‬ ‭24:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are not to seek "signs and wonders". Ministries should not promise them either. They should not be the attraction for crowds. If you are drawn to "signs and wonders"; if you are seeking them; then your heart is wrong.

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

If you are in right relationship with The Lord, then you are seeking Him with your whole heart! 

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts‬ ‭2:46-47‬ ‭KJV

They were in one accord! They sought Him daily! In simplicity they were satisfied in Him. He was their primary purpose. They received The Word gladly and continued steadfastly!  

How did they get there?

Through brokenness!

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts‬ ‭2:36-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Those words are still ringing today! Repent of your sins! The people came face to face with their sin, and "were pricked in their heart!” Their hearts were pierced; were broken!

Until you recognize your sin (not just admit it but know in your heart of hearts that there is absolutely NOTHING that you have to offer God BUT your brokenness) you have not yet repented! 

When you come to THAT realization; then you are so "undone" that you "fear God!" You are keenly aware of your smallness and His immense-ness! You come off the "Throne" and He takes His rightful place as your LORD!   

As long as you are calling the shots - He is not your Lord!

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Examine your heart!

“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.” Matthew‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA

From 9/27/14

And I Heard

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Revelation‬ ‭12:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"The accuser of our brethren"is the devil and God is not the only one who has to listen to him day and night. 

He is the voice in your head that is accusing, laying blame, telling on, lying about your friends, family, co-workers and even yourself, sowing discord, destroying relationships, distracting you from your walk with God.

When we choose to believe him and then speak the accusations he has planted, we kill not only friendships, and marriages, but even careers. Not many of us are murderers, but we often assassinate a person's character and think nothing of it. "The accuser" spreads destruction. 

“Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭52:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”  James‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭KJV

No, as men we are unable to tame the tongue. But God can change our heart!

When we start dealing with the sin we have hidden in our heart; when we repent of the things we have said and done and ask for forgiveness for the judgements we have made, then God starts changing our heart! 

We have so many walls built up in our hearts of past hurts and defiant proclamations, often originating from childhood. Those walls of protection as children, are barriers to God as adults. He wants to tear them down and clean out all of the garbage stashed behind and in the darkest recesses. He wants to shine a light on the filth and pain and bring healing. You can't just "forget" and "leave behind"; which the devil knows just increases the security of those fortifications. Jesus doesn't just want one room in your heart. The walls must be torn down to make room for His total inhabitation.

You say you have forgiven. You say you have been forgiven. You also say you cannot forget. You back bite, you ridicule, you jest; you say you love, but your tongue hurts.

“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

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew‬ ‭12:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is imperative that we deal with our stuff here, so we won't have to deal with it then!

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

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/3/15

Let No Corrupt

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:29-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I am overwhelmed with how much we grieve The Holy Spirit with our words here on Facebook.

I'm not speaking about the nasty stuff unbelievers post -  I'm talking about the arguments and criticisms that brothers have with one another,  disguised as "discussion"; totally contrary to The Word of God! 

I'm talking about a different spirit; a contentious spirit; a counterfeit (un)holy spirit that brings division!

“These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”  Jude‬ ‭1:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The reason I know there is another spirit in operation in them is because of a lack of good fruit;  "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,"

The lack of kindness in some posts is evidence of the unholy spirit trying to cause more division in an already fractured body! 

Grieving The Holy Spirit is pervasive and tangible to many of us! It literally hurts my heart to read the caustic posts directed at brothers in Christ!  Discussion of scripture should never be done with malice and contempt. Where is the edification? Where is the love?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew‬ ‭22:37-39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John‬ ‭13:35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”  Psalms‬ ‭52:1-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father forgive me for the words that I have spoken that are in disobedience to Your commandments. Forgive me for grieving The Holy Spirit! I repent! Put a guard over my tongue; make me aware of every idle word! I pray LORD that the words I would speak would bring glory to You, and that I would be known as Yours because I love! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/2/16

“You will have to look more redeemed if I am to believe in your Redeemer!" Leonard Ravenhill quoting  Nietzsche