And The Lord

“And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭18:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment”

God spoke this about Abraham before Isaac had been conceived! God knew him - how and what he would be!

God knew him from his beginning to his end. And Abraham knew God! 

“And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭15:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God had faith in Abraham and Abraham had faith in God! 

Because Abraham believed - he obeyed God! 

God commanded and Abraham did it!

“In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭17:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God knew he would obey; He trusted Abraham! 

God has not changed!

He knows us, from beginning to end!

Why aren’t we as quick to obey as Abraham? Is it because we don’t know Him as we should? Abraham had a relationship with God; had walked with Him - for most of his life! We can have the same - from here on! The remainder of our days we too can walk with Him, in a new and better covenant, however, it is all or nothing with God! There is no part-time relationship with God! Obedience to Him is required! 

Grace is given through the process; until we have become what He “knows!” It’s a growing up and maturing in Him; taking on His attributes through daily association with Him; making Him our Principal Purpose! 

Even David said: “O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant,”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭116:16‬a ‭KJV‬‬

To follow; to obey Him is a delight!

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, when asked how he was so successful answered, “God has every bit of me!” 

Totally surrendered!

Withholding nothing!

God can use anything- but Oh, what he can do with that!!!!

Father, my hearts desire is for You to have ALL of me! What’s left of this life is Yours! Do with me as You wish! I trust You to make me into a vessel usable by You! Thank You LORD for your mercy and Your grace!

Even so - MARANATHA 

And He Said

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Or, I perceive the lack thereof. 

Who spends more time worrying about their finances; those who have lack or those with excess? I am amazed at the similitude. 

“And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

People talk all day about their finances, whether they are discussing what they just bought or what they are going to buy, or what the cost of a medical bill is or what utility is getting ready to be turned off! 

Very seldom does someone sit in my chair and tell (without prompting) the wondrous things God has done for them! Very seldom.

Worry of how to pay or or how to store what you have for a rainy day is exactly the same. For worry is sin. And setting your minds on things of this life instead if Kingdom things shows a lack of trust in God!  

How much time HAVE you thought about your relationship with God today; this week; this month? Compare to how much you spend about thinking about the economy, sports, your health. If you did a pie chart I know God would get the least! How do I know? 

Because "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!"  What is foremost in the your thinking and speaking has captured your heart! And if God is not in that equation - you are just "captured"!

“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God knows what you need before you need! He knows and He cares, and if you seek Him with your whole heart He will move heaven and earth to provide for you! But the Kingdom is not about things! So if you have a heart for things instead of Him, you are a fool! 

“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke‬ ‭12:16-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Time is running out and no one knows when his time will be up!

I entreat you - 

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/16/14

For The Time

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“if the righteous scarcely be saved” is a far cry from what churches and Christian music portray "salvation" these days.

scarce·ly

adverb: scarcely

1. synonyms:

   hardly, barely, only just;  almost not

   • only a very short time before.
   • used to suggest that something is unlikely to be or certainly not the case.

     synonyms:

     rarely, seldom, infrequently, not often, hardly ever, almost never, on rare occasions, every once in a while; More informalonce in a blue moon "I scarcely ever see him" surely not, not, hardly, certainly not, definitely not, not at all, on no account, under no circumstances, by no means, in no way, noway, noways "this could scarcely be accidental"

     antonyms:

     often

Brother's and sisters we have been lied to, and the lies by the enemy continue! 

Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew: 

“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

And again in Revelation: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation‬ ‭2:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"Scarcely saved!"  

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Obedience is the key. 

Today's “sugar coated” Gospel allows for one to be saved and do their own thing with no change, because "Christ did it all!"  Never is judgment spoken of; if so it's for others, not for the believer!  Escapism is the belief for the believer. 

Everyone believes he's obedient - walking around with unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, and fear in their heart; judging others; gossiping. Unbelief is the acceptable sin in the Church. 

“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We will be judged!

Again Jesus speaking: “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 are called to repentance of our sins! Yet most believe it is just a one time thing! They do not grasp that repentance is a daily walk, as is walking in love and walking in forgiveness. "How many times?" All day long!  (Matt 18:22)

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark‬ ‭11:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Obedience is all encompassing! You don't pick and choose what you will obey. It's not about what you agree with; a servant does not argue with his Master. He obeys. 

Disobedience has consequences. 

Read it again!

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father, make us to realize that You are God and we are not. Open our eyes, open our ears, change our hearts! Bring us to repentance LORD! Save us to the uttermost! In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

11/2/16

For I Am

“For I am the Lord, I change not;”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3:6‬a ‭KJV‬‬

God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament. But if you do not know Him personally, you can be deceived. 

If you have not read The Bible; or if you have only read parts of it, then you can be deceived.

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”  ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repentance of sin is preached throughout.

God is still trying to turn you back to Him. He is still in control. His arm is not too short, but time to repent is.

He causes storms and adversity, trials and fires to move you from unbelief and complacency; to turn you from your wicked ways of pride; to break up your hard heart.

He will keep the fire hot and increase it as needed to purify you; to make you a reflection of Him. Digging your heels in, in resistance is futile! For you are not battling the devil, you are battling God. (1 Chron 21:15, Judges 9:23, Acts 13:11)

You see, the battle is not yours, it's the LORD'S! We are to let Him fight! We are to submit. We are to surrender, so He can! 

Jesus showed us the way, and we are to follow His example. Lay down your will and get on the cross. 

This is contrary to what the worldly church teaches. 

If we want to see God move, we must humble ourselves! Get out of His way! He is God, we are not!

When you battle alone, you have every right to be fearful. When you are warring against the devil in opposition to God, you will lose. 

Surrender to The Maker of all things; The Creator of the universe, there is nothing too big for Him! And He will have nothing before Him; no other gods! Lay down your idols, tear down your high places; that includes your children, your spouses, your pets, your careers, your ministries, your sports and hobbies, just to name a few! The list is endless! 

“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When you stop battling God and join in His war, letting Him lead, instead of running ahead of Him, then you can trust Him to be with you!

He wants ALL of you!

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 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. 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 ‭3:8-14‬ ‭KJV

Give up! Let Him lead!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/20/16

Incline Not My Heart

‬‬“Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” Psalms‬ ‭141:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Evil so desirable, so beautiful on the surface; its pleasures momentary its consequences lasting a lifetime. 

Like in the garden we taste and we see too late - the damage is done. ‬‬

“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭28:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭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

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father, I come to you this morning having nothing I can boast in, but I can boast in You; Your mercy and Your goodness! Father I ask that you would open our eyes to see the evil that surrounds us, masquerading as good, so that we may abstain from its every form as You have commanded. Forgive us where we have missed it in the past. We repent for lusting after the things of the world that promise but never fulfill. Let our joy only come from You; in obedience to Your Word!  Thank You LORD that You have brought us out of darkness. Keep us in Your light. Thank You for Your mercy and Your Grace.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/17/16

Hear Ye Therefore

“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:18-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Who's your gardener?

What are you allowing to be sown in your heart! 

I have been every kind of dirt there is, and am happy to report, I am now good soil. The hard places, for the most part, have been removed. The big dirt clods broken up; rocks removed! My field is not fallow! 

For the longest time I tried to tend my own garden, weeding and planting so many hours on my knees in bad soil. A great fail!

I a couple of years ago did some digging (pardon the pun) and got some good knowledge on gardening and found out soil and seed make a big difference! I found the right Gardener! 

He's in charge and directs me in my part! I help to maintain though the plants! I watch for the weeds. I have to make sure that any new plantings I receive are not "GMO"s by unscrupulous or even well meaning dealers! I run everything by my Gardener.

If there is pruning a to be done, He does it, in the right season, to insure the best and biggest fruit. I trust my Gardner! 

My Gardner has a huge operation and many helpers! He gives them good instructions however, sometimes they don't listen, or sometime they get sloppy. Sometimes they are late or don't even show up. But I trust my Gardner, because He knows what's best for my garden and it will be a beautiful garden when He's done, regardless of the workers.

I leave it in His capable hands. I trust that as long as I am willing to do my part, and yes I am involved in the maintenance of my garden, that it will be perfect in the end! What I love most about Him is that He is not above getting His hands dirty; He gets right down in the dirt next to me! That's when I learn so much. He is a wealth of knowledge and is so tender in His care of the plantings.

I know as long as I give Him my resources; as long as He is in control and I don't try and usurp His authority; as long as I believe in Him and His power to make it happen, my garden will produce enough fruit for, not only me and my family but for many, many others too! 

My Gardner is awesome!

I would never trust another!

So if you need a replacement for who does your gardening, I heartily give recommendation for Mine! He planted the first garden, so His résumé extensive, His credentials are flawless and to top it off, He only uses heirloom plantings, because He knows I only want the best stock, the best seed, the best fruit; as should you too!

So, my friend do not trust your garden to renegade helpers that say they work for Him. If they belong to Him, He will be with them! His seeds will always have The Maker's seal of approval! 

You get what He paid for!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/28/14

Bless The Lord

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:1-5‬ ‭KJV

Have you ever been utterly consumed with thankfulness and awe at the miracles of God in your life? Have you ever been so keenly aware of His workings in your life, or the lives of those you love, that words like the above Psalm come pouring out of your mouth? 

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:8-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The fact that God has not destroyed us yet, but is capable of doing do, seems to escape most people that profess a belief in Him! None fear Him! If we all did,  we would not be in the shape we are in! We would obey His commandments! We would obey His Word!

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms‬ ‭103:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Every person who goes to church knows and quotes that verse! The popular belief is, "ask Jesus into your heart and you are forgiven of all sin, past, present and future!" Once saved always saved! But no one quotes the next verse!

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” Psalms‬ ‭103:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Or the following!

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you KNOW The LORD; if you LOVE Him; if you FEAR Him and OBEY His commandments and He IS the primary purpose of your life, then you will see manifestations of the workings of His hands in your life and you will declare (like the writer of the Psalm) like me, and like countless others: "Bless The LORD oh, my soul! Bless Your holy Name!"

Fear Him!

Obey Him!

Rejoice with me!!! Give thanks!!!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/23/14

Be Careful For

‬‬“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will.” Leviticus‬ ‭22:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”  Psalms‬ ‭100:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭95:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.””

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭7:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”  ‭Revelation‬ ‭7:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Today and everyday!

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ‭‭

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/24/16

He That Loveth

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We hear all the time about “God is Love” and truly it is His love in us that sets us apart from the rest of the world. But what does that love look like?

The Word of God is very specific about how we are to love; what defines love. 

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

Everyone wants to love God but few want to keep His commandments!

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:3-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Loving God is not like loving puppies or chocolate! Loving God requires obedience!

“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

Loving God requires putting Him first above all; everyone else and yourself! It means you love nothing more than Him, including your children or your spouse! He’s number One! Then comes EVERYONE else! And you are last! And it’s not just how you feel, it’s how you act! Love requires results!

Sometimes the best way to tell what something “is”, is by looking at what it “isn’t!”

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”  ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Loving “not” is much easier than loving, but “not loving” is not an option. Loving the unlovable takes the love of God in us! It takes a determination to obey because we love Him; whether we feel like it or not! The world loves “not” because of what people do or don’t do! The world is not forgiving! The world holds a grudge! The world’s love is conditional. You do this and I will love you! Yet we are commanded to love in spite of everything!

The hardest to love are the ones who love us. We often take for granted they will love and accept us no matter what, and in doing so show them less love than a stranger. We often are hateful and speak with contempt to those closest to us (spouses and children) yet show courtesy to a stranger. This just shows what is really in our heart - not love!

The biggest issue is loving the things of the 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.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When You love God with all of your heart the “things” of the world mean nothing to you! All the glitz; all the glamour pale in His light! The promises of the world are lies; illusions that never bring happiness or contentment! If any it is fleeting; nothing to hold onto! The only satisfaction in this life is in our relationship with our Creator! He sustains; He completes; He fulfills!

His love in us, poured out on others is what our life is about! It’s not about our satisfaction; it’s about satisfying Him! Then and only then are we satisfied!

Examine your heart! Repent for the lack of love there and ask Him to pour His love in you, so that you may love like Him! If He requires it - He will make it possible! You just need to ask! 

Even so - MARANATHA 

For The Lord

“For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭23:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In reading the above  scripture this morning two things struck me. God walks in the midst of our camp, UNLESS He sees something He detests and turns away! 

When have we given consideration to what God sees when He looks at our camp; whether it be our houses or our hearts? 

I remember a story about "my stuff/your junk". We are so familiar with our stuff (clutter/trash) that we don't even see it, but let a stranger come in and all they see is junk.

We need fresh eyes!

Many are fastidious in their housekeeping, not allowing any clutter, however, outward appearances can be deceiving; like whitewashed tombs. (Matt 23:27) Some unclean things can be hidden in plain sight, on TVs and computers, even magazines on the table. 

Do we even consider that God sees it all?

Nothing, however, compares to the evil we have hidden in our hearts; the unforgiveness, anger, fear and unbelief! We stuff bitterness so far down and forget - because that is what religion has told us to do! 

We go to church and pray for miracles; come home and then turn on a TV; so desensitized, we are unaware that even the commercials are vile. Our homes; our schools; our workplaces; all defiled; it's no wonder our country is in the shape it's in! And so many are deceived. Singing and dancing to a god made in their own image who accepts and doesn't require submission or obedience to The Word of God. Come as you are and stay that way! Just be happy, and if you aren't, we have a pill!

What happened???

We have hardened our hearts and He has turned away from the unclean!

Yes, the above scripture is regarding the disposal of bodily wastes, however the refuse, we have allowed to stay in our camps, has also made it uninhabitable for a Holy God. 

Examine your heart! Ask The Holy Spirit to reveal what is hidden there; what is unacceptable in God's eyes and be diligent to repent!

Father God, please open our eyes and change our hearts so that we have a desire to tear down the high places and cast down our idols! Bring us to repentance; whatever it takes LORD; save us to the uttermost! In Jesus’ precious name we pray!

Before it is too late.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/3/15

Wash You

“Wash you, make you clean;

put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; 

cease to do evil; 

Learn to do well; 

seek judgment, 

relieve the oppressed, 

judge the fatherless, 

plead for the widow. 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We love verse 18!

The promise of the stain of our sins being cleansed!  

It sounds almost too good to be true! But our God is a big God and He loves us! Right? We can't do it - He does it for us! Right?

The above list, that He says we must do, is short and doable. It doesn't require much on our part - right? (At least the last two) Then God does the rest! Right?

No one reads the next verse. 

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” Isaiah‬ ‭1:19‬ ‭KJV

Verse 19 is the game changer! 

Short, sweet, to the point! 

Are we - willing and obedient?

Willing to do what?

Willing to obey?

Well that depends! 

Obey what?

Humble yourself: that would indeed make you willing. But we take Pride in our pride! To obey would mean laying aside our pride. Hmmmmmmm!

Will we obey the commandments we don't like? The uncomfortable ones; the ones we read over or around, like they aren't there? Like how we have done verse 19? The ones that say Repent, Forgive, Confess one to another, Judge not, Love.

You know when God says to do something it is not a "suggestion". Just because it wasn't itemized in the big Ten, doesn't make it less of a Commandment. 

Verse 19 does show, we have a choice. Just like everything else, He tells us to do, we either choose to comply or not! Oh and it helps if we obey with a joyful heart, but He will honor our obedience, just for the sake of obeying! 

Willingness makes it easier! Wanting to please The Father produces a willing heart! His desires become our desires. Obedience like breathing; involuntary! He says forgive, instead of arguing, we purpose in our heart to live and walk in forgiveness; all to please Him!

Oh, I almost overlooked verse 20!

“But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Very serious!

So choose to be willing and obedient! 

Don't pray, "Lord help me to be willing!"  It's a choice. Your choice! You choose to be willing!

My prayer today: Father, I repent for my lack of willingness to obey Your Word, in the past!  I choose, today, to lay down my will and be obedient! Show me the areas in my life that I have not submitted to you, and I will be quick to comply! I desire to do Your will! In Jesus precious, precious name I pray!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/24/14

But A Certain

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” Acts‬ ‭5:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The story of Ananias had always troubled me. Focusing on the deed and its consequences; I never saw the last part of the above verse: “why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost,”

Ananias was attempting to follow Jesus in his flesh; listening to the wrong voice. He had not fully submitted to Jesus! 

Sounds like "the church" today!

I know it was me - for years!

We go about our merry way, only thinking of God when the bottom falls out and we cry out to Him to help us! We attend weekly services, singing "Oh How I Love Jesus", yet, are so busy we don't think about Him like we should! We don't read His Word! We don't pray! He is something else we "do!" We fill our lives with so many activities; we are never quiet and when we are in a quiet place, we are uncomfortable. 

That is because we like Ananias have allowed the enemy to fill our hearts. We listen to his voice, all the while claiming to be filled with The Holy Spirit! 

You say, "Is that possible?"

Yes, as long as we are in the world, the enemy will be whispering in our ears (sometimes quite loudly), but he never shuts up! He is always there spreading his lies, accusing you, God, and everyone else in which you come in contact; even strangers!

You have to learn his voice, and recognize his modus operandi! He is a thief and a murderer! He wants you dead!

“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

He can do nothing to you, though, if you are fully submitted to God! He only has power IF you choose to listen to his lies AND come into agreement with him! We come into agreement with him when we speak the words he has whispered!

When you have unrepented sin in your heart; unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, worry, and anger, then you are already in his camp; no matter how often you go to church or read your Bible; no matter if you do speak in tongues!

You are an Ananias! 

If The Holy Spirit's presence was as evident in the church today as it was in its infancy, I dare say many of us would not be alive! I know I wouldn't be!

Ananias listened to the wrong voice, when he chose to deceive God!

Not every voice in your head is yours! The loudest, most incessant, most negative thoughts are from the devil! He never shuts up! He's alway rattling on about something or someone; trying to distract you, keep you busy so that You don't hear "THE small still voice" who is God! The one you come into agreement with, becomes your own thoughts!

At night when you are trying to go to sleep and "your head won't shut down" and the "thoughts just keep coming" - that is torment from the devil! He's stealing your sleep! But, you have a choice  to whom you will listen! And there is only one way to fight the enemy; with your sword - The Word of God!!!

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

Jesus even battled the devil with the Word! 

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Who will you choose to listen to - today? 

It IS your choice to come out of the darkness and repent! 

You take the first step and you will find God! 

He's right there waiting!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/28/14

For This Cause

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” ‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:14-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are in the process of rearranging rooms here at home! The kids are gone and use of bedrooms for other purposes desired. Now the arduous task of removal of abandoned possessions, long ago outgrown, is upon us. Each article meaningless to them; hold many fond memories to us, and are hard to part with, but let go we must, to make room for the rooms new purpose. 

Clear out the old to make room for the new! 

There's no way I could bring in the things I want in my Lady Cave (office/craft/music room) with the stuff that has been there for 16 years! It all has to go; no matter how painful!

Reading the above verse this morning, the thought crossed my mind: "do we make room for Christ when He moves into our hearts or do we just shove everything in a corner and expect Him to work around all our "stuff"?"

When God brought the children of Israel into the promise land, He told them to clear out the previous inhabitants, and they didn't obey.  Disobedience to His Commandment caused countless problems for them.  

I see parallels! The stuff we allow to stay in our heart, after our choice to follow Christ, will determine if our walk is successful! If we clean out the unforgiveness, the bitterness, fear, anger; then Christ's love has room to reside; peace and joy can grow and take the place of those previous inhabitants! 

Holding onto painful memories, old wounds, disappointments, etc, is choosing to disobey God's Word! He says forgive! He says confess your sins; in other words humble yourself! He says make room for Him!

He wants us to be filled with Him; His love! If we have unforgiveness, anger, bitterness (and the like)dwelling in our hearts, is Christ there? Does an spring give sweet and bitter water? 

We've all heard that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman! That He won't force Himself on you! 

Another analogy would be a houseguest; invited to permanent residence, but respectful of your ownership; allowing you to remove your own things! Your doing so, shows your intention to make good your offer of His inhabitance; removing the possibility of you changing your mind. 

When something Holy moves into something evil, there is a war! God demands obedience but does not force compliance It is your choice Who stays and Who goes!

Spirits of lust, anger, rejection have a right to stay as long as the sins remain unrepented of; torment (lack of sleep, lack of peace, depression, worry and fear, etc.) continues, until those spirits are evicted. 

Examine your heart!

The trash you find; get rid of it! 

Humble yourself! 

Repent of the stuff you have hidden in your heart, that is not pleasing to God! Tell those spirits that you belong to Him and that they are no longer welcome in your home! 

“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬b KJV‬‬

Make room for Him!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/15/14

The Job Answered

“Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭42:1-2‬ ‭KJV

At the end of the Book of Job, Job knows "Who" God is and he also knows who he (Job) is not!

“Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.” Job‬ ‭42:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Realization of His magnitude and our insignificance is paramount in a true relationship with The Creator of The Universe!  

“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭42:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Until we truly understand that we bring nothing to our relationship with Him except our willingness to lay down our pride and submit to His complete authority, we are deceived! Until we "abhor ourselves" we have not repented! 

If, when we come to Him, we are not aware of how terrible He Is in His power and glory and do not "fear" Him, then we have not submitted to Him! 

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

The Word of God has been so watered down; Its message sugar coated so that God is portrayed as a old man (like a Santa Claus); there only to take away the things in life that make us uncomfortable! 

Its message:"God is there for us!" 

In Truth: we are there for God!

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Job's friends did not know God, like they thought they did! In fact in reading the book, one would think they knew Him well! However, God set the record straight in the following verse:

“Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.”  Job‬ ‭42:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Up until 2 1/2 years ago, I believed all that my denomination taught about God! I claimed the promises and blessings of God as my right as His child, without repentance! I had unforgiveness, bitterness, unbelief, resentment, worry, fear, anger, etc  (which are all sin) in my heart! And oh, how proud I was!

He opened my eyes to The Truth. 

In obedience to His Word, I acknowledged my sins (by making a list of those who had hurt me); I humbled myself and confessed my sins of unforgiveness and judgments and repented, in front of friends I could trust. He set me free and healed my body. (James 5:16)

Now, I know I can only boast in Him! He IS Everything and I am nothing without Him! 

And as long as I am obedient to His Word and walk in love, forgiveness, and repentance, THEN and only THEN, can I legally claim His promises!

He calls me His child, I understand I am His servant! 

I will sit in a lower chair, He can move me higher up the table - if He wills; I'm just happy to be in the dining room with Him! 

Waiting on Him; serving Him is my delight!

Examine your heart - repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/1/14

Unto The Pure

“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How do you know? 

By the words they speak! 

So many profess to know God! Everyone believes themselves to be a Christian. 

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

The things we talk about, all of the time, tells everyone what’s in our heart! (Or when our lemon gets squeezed honey and does not come out!)

Do you have a friend who always seems to side with the other person; who seems to make excuses for the person who wronged you? Who refuses to jump on the bandwagon in complaining about so ‘n so?

Well don’t take it personally! They are exhibiting Titus 1:15!  “To the pure all things are pure!” They see the good, not the bad! That is how we are supposed to live! 

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

The devil is the accuser. When we start complaining about any person we come into agreement with him. 

One who is determined to walk in Titus 1:15 doesn’t even see the evil. It’s as if they look through the eyes of Jesus. 

When He called me and you out of darkness, He knew what He was calling us to, and saw us already perfected! 

“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

It’s like having a dream! You believe in your dream, so much, you can see it as it will be; though everyone else thinks you’re  crazy! 

But it’s even more! 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He saw; He knew; He acted on our behalf. 

He is pure! (Titus 1:15)

And we are to walk in His ways! 

And when we fail, we repent and try again! (1 John 1:9)

THIS does not come easy! And when we have unrepented sin in our hearts (unforgiveness, judgments, bitterness, anger, etc) it doesn’t come at all! It’s the baggage we carry that keeps us bound to the enemy. His constantly reminding us of what so ‘n so did is torment. And that, unrepented sin, gives him the right to do so. If when you think about that person, or if you see them on the street (or in your mind) you remember what they did, it’s not forgiven! Which makes it sin! It must be repented of! 

When you forgive someone of an injury or injustice, it does not excuse the act; it just says that you love God more than yourself and you choose to obey Him; for He commands that we forgive! 

Listening last night to Geri McGee she related forgiveness to: being in a courtroom - you are the judge and jury. Then taking “the case” to God’s courtroom, where He sits on the bench; giving Him the case, and then walking out of His courtroom; in peace because you know He has the power; He has your back!

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

When we refuse to forgive and repent we are telling God we love our sin more than Him.

You see, it’s about your relationship with The Father! It’s about letting Him be GOD! It’s about surrendering to His will! It’s about obedience! It’s about eternity!

“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

Repent while there is still time!

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

Even so - MARANATHA 

And The Spirit

“And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭15:1-5‬ ‭KJV

Did you catch that? “if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”  Wow! 

Those are true words especially for today! 

We as a people and we as individuals have forsook The LORD and He, as a result, has forsaken us!

However, when we repent (turn back) and seek Him with our whole hearts He WILL be found by us! 

"The LORD is with you while you are with Him"; when was the last time you heard that preached? 

At no time, in the Word of God, does it say you can do your own thing and God will bless it! Every time man does what is "right in his own eyes", it leads to destruction! 

"As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”" (‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭10-18‬ NKJV)

When we seek God, it has to be with our whole heart! It can't be halfway! He will not share His throne with other gods. We must cast down our idols! 

The trials and the tests are to turn us back to God. He knows our time is running out. The time for playing church is over! He is serious and we must be too!

"“You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬ NKJV)

I read recently:

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (I John‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ NKJV) "By God's design, your idols will always turn on you." (Geri McGhee)

Our idols today (our golden calfs) are our children, our spouses, our jobs, our homes, our sports or hobbies! Whatever consumes our time. Whatever we put above our time with God! Whatever we worry about!!!!

Joyce Green said: “At the center of your storm is your idol!”

Ask God to open your eyes and ears and change your heart!  Ask God to show you your idols, He will! Then you remove them; repent and ask God to take His rightful place as LORD!

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

Be obedient! 

Seek Him first in all things! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/24/15

Thou Hast Turned

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭30:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Dance:

As The Leader, He holds you lightly in His arms and directs your steps backwards! Not seeing where you are planting your feet; with only a slight pressure, He moves you across the floor. In one accord, you step, trusting as He takes you smoothly, effortlessly, to where He wants, and the miracle occurs, perfectly orchestrated by the Writer/Arranger/Conductor of the music and The Choreographer of The Dance! 

You pray the music never ends!

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms‬ ‭37:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I am constantly amazed at the orchestrations our Father, The  Conductor/Arranger, directs in our daily lives - to bring us closer to Him! Each seemingly insignificant action when combined with many, seemingly insignificant actions by others, become a masterpiece! Each step becomes a note; then a measure; evolving into a chorus; finally a symphony; ultimately a Miracle; Salvation and Freedom!

Most times we are unaware of the behind the scenes manipulations of The Holy Spirit, but occasionally one may get a glimpse of the Miracle unfolding and the privilege is beyond humbling! 

Thank You Father for continually and relentlessly pursuing your rebellious children! 

Don't ever stop!!!! 

Thank You LORD, for Your mercy and Your grace!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/14/14

“Chase God until He catches you!” Chet Murrell 

Blessed Are

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

My definition of The Law of Reciprocity is "'like' begets 'like'" or down here, I believe the phrase is: "what goes around comes around!”

Many times, however, The Bible says it much more eloquently!

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” ‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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

From the spiritual side; we as a people have not grasped the significance of our words! We learn as children that words are weapons and hurt immeasurably! The child's rhyme "Sticks and stones . . . but words will never hurt me" is a lie from the pit of hell and a proclaimation that holds unforgiveness in our hearts!  Those words spoken in self-defense, (a futile effort of protection) as a small child becomes a barrier between man and God, as an adult!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We open our mouths, in everyday conversation and spiritually kill our brothers and sisters; our spouses and our children! Instead of a ban on guns we should ban negative speech! 

I've been shown the impact our words have on the the people around us and have come to realize the spiritual battle we face, in the heavenlies is fought with the words of our mouths!

You can quote the scripture of putting on the full armor of God

(Eph 6:10) and even pretend to go through the motions of putting your armor on, but if you do not WATCH your words and speak life into one another, then you become an agent for the enemy and his fiery darts are coming out of your mouth!

When you prophesy over someone "He'll never change", she'll always be a liar", "once a thief . . . ", "She's just no good"; you are speaking failure over them, and even if they never hear what you say, it echoes in the spirit realm and the enemy whispers it in their ear, then that lie becomes a truth because they begin to believe and live up to it, they will!

That's what happens when we gossip about someone! We Christians become a double agent; a traitor to our King!  We kill our own! The battle is lost, because we switched sides! We commit Treason!

“Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.” Ezekiel‬ ‭13:3, 5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What The Word says, is that The Law of Reciprocity is in affect when you gossip and the judgment you make about that person is then tied to you! 

Not only do your words have adverse affects on the person you are "diss'n" but they are sin of which you will give an account to God!

“Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel‬ ‭13:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Church we have to repent of our gossip!

We have got to "stand in the gap" for our brothers and sisters when we detect a breach in their wall!

Even if the words we speak are true, we are not their judge and we will give an account! 

Pray for them! 

Encourage them!

Love them!

If we want Mercy, we'd better give it!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/13/14

The LORD Bless

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:” Numbers‬ ‭6:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The hardest thing for a parent to do is to give their child to God; in essence "put their child on the altar"! To entrust Him with their life, wellbeing, and or provision; relinquishing parental control!

There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't discuss with me their children! Most days, many parents - all worrying! Many times it even affects their health; their worry is that great!

Monday, I was listening to a video by Ed Cole, and he said, "God will only "keep" that which is committed to Him!"

That has stuck with me! How often have we prayed for God to protect our children, only to, minutes later again, begin worrying about a situation they have gotten themselves into, or even MIGHT get into? That is not committing them into God's care! When we take them back, by worry, we remove them from God's "keep" and effectively tie His hands! If we are "keeping" them, then He can't "keep" them!

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalms‬ ‭91:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In essence we are making ourselves to be god and telling God we don't believe He is capable or trustworthy! We are saying, "The Creator of the universe does not have the power to watch out for our children, or us, for that matter!"

Side note: When will we realize, believing we have any control is a lie, and that we have no control over anything?

I looked up "keep" in the Bible to see what God says about the word and I came to the conclusion that we don't "keep" so how can we expect God to "keep"?

"And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’" (Isaiah 6:9 NKJV)

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.” Isaiah‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He tells us to do something and we say we will, like "trust Him" and then we don't! Someone who doesn't trust is usually untrustworthy!

How long will He put up with our doublemindedness?

“He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:9‬ KJV

If you are guilty, like I was, of worry; repent! When I realized that I was calling God a liar, and confessed my sin and repented, I felt a freedom I had never known! I found peace!

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

Even so - MARANATHA!
From 2/5/14

Whereas Ye Know

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

‭‭James‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If today was the last day of your life -

What would you want to tell the ones you love? 

Would you tell them how much you love them and ask their forgiveness for not being a better spouse/parent/

grandparent/friend/employee? Would you remind them of the wonderful memories you've shared or would you tell them of the regrets you have for not giving more of yourself to them? Would you tell them how much you will miss them and how you wish you you could stay? 

Would you tell them that you are ready to die and meet your Maker? Would you tell them that it is with mixed emotions that you leave; hating to leave them but excited to finally see, face to face, the one who gave His life for yours! Would you tell them that your prayer is for them to repent and seek God with their whole heart and follow Him all their days? That you hope that they too will long to be with The LORD with their whole heart too, so that when their life is over, they can spend eternity with you and The LORD!  Would you explain to them that this life is not about here and now; about what you earn; where you live!

Or would you cry out in fear; wondering where you will go and what legacy you leave?

Don't wait to repent and make things right!

Tomorrow just might be your last! 

Or today.

Even so -MARANATHA! 

From 2/26/14

Suppose Ye That

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” Luke‬ ‭12:51‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is Jesus speaking!

Does that sound like the Jesus your church preaches? Most likely not! 

All I'm hearing these days, especially on Facebook, is that God wants you to be happy! 

That is not scriptural! He wants more for you than that!

If you are seeking The LORD with your whole heart; if you are putting to death the old man - your own happiness is the farthest thing from your mind. Because dying to self is not concerned with "self". This life is not about you, but it's all about Jesus;  obedience to the Word of God; taking up your cross and dying daily! Just like Jesus, The Father’s pleasure is your prime concern, even if you do it alone.

“For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:52-53‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we submit to God, laying down our will, seeking Him first and living for Him, we are separated from the world. Instead of trying to make ourselves happy, we want to please Him in everything we do and say! When the people around us, even in our home see the change, everyone realizes the difference. 

Repentance is change. When God becomes your primary focus instead of you being the center of your world, you are actually stepping from darkness into light! The joy that comes from being in a right relationship with God makes happiness "not so much"! Someone might describe you as happier, however in the world happiness is fleeting, whereas with God, joy is unspeakable! It stays! It inhabits every fiber of your being! When residing in peace and joy, you are cradled in the arms of Jesus and it's actually tangible! Walking with Jesus makes the spirit realm seem more real than this world!

When you have lost your peace, you know you are out of step with Jesus; you get ahead of Him instead of following closely! That’s exactly what happens when we sin and no longer have His peace. 

So what do we do to get it back? We turn around! We obey His Word! We confess our sin (James 5:16) and repent.

Do you feel dead? Do you feel dry or empty?  Are you just waiting to die, because you are tired of the weight of the world being on your shoulders? Do you keep hoping that "happily ever after" will soon arrive? 

If you are broken, that is a very good place to be! Don't hang on a minute more, trying to be strong! Let go! Give up! Surrender all - to The One who wants to save you so badly that He sent His Son to die for you! Give up your will, lay down your pride and tell Him you give up! Then watch the Creator of The Universe create in you the person He designed you to be! Let Him put His fire in you! Burn for Him!

Don't wait, for time IS running out!

“Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?” Luke‬ ‭12:56‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent before it's too late!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/17/14

Who Shall Ascend

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.” Psalms‬ ‭24:3-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yesterday, I began a search on idols and read the above Psalm. God spoke to my heart, and I was painfully aware that, I did not have clean hands, nor a pure heart. I'm so much better than I was, but I have so much further to go! 

What I do have is a willing heart! When God changed it, I prayed that He would "refine me" and He has not stopped.

My desire is to be part of this generation that seeks His face! I do desire clean hands; I do desire a pure heart, so I walk in repentance and I read His Word daily, letting it wash me. I seek Him! I cast down everything that would exalt itself above Him! I humble myself, willingly so He does not have to humble me. My old man has to die; crucified daily!

And when I hear the enemy tell me, "you're okay", I run to the cross! Because that is a lie! I'm not "okay", for I can do nothing on my own! That is pride speaking, and I have nothing to boast in!

I refuse to entertain vain imaginations! I keep my thoughts on Him! I give Him full rule and reign in my heart; He is on my throne! He is my King!

And then, when I fail Him miserably, as I do everyday, I get back on my knees!  I humble myself; confess my sins; seek His forgiveness and resolve to walk in repentance, another day!

I fail Him, but He never fails me!  

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/28/14

This I Say

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Not fulfilling the “lust of the flesh” is the hardest when you feel you have been wronged by a friend or loved one. Our natural instinct is to defend and retaliate. Our anger rises and we lash out with little regard of consequences. Killing that defense mechanism is difficult but necessary for a successful Christian walk. Jesus didn’t and we must not either. (See Romans 8)

“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

When we read the above verse we have a tendancy to focus on the “ones” we DON’T do! Not the ones we do do; which is why they are there! Correction is hard; justification easy! Upon examination of definitions, we find we are all guilty, or have been at one time, of the above failings! We have all been adulterous against God, loving the world more than Him. We have all been into witchcraft, as we all have been rebellious to Him; living in disobedience to His Word. We may not murder anyone but willingly assassinate another’s character. Spirits of hatred, wrath, and strife are standing there ready to defend a supposed or actual wrong, to cause a believer to sin!

Which is why Paul, led by The Holy Spirit wrote the following verses:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Longsuffering is an attribute of God and one we must acquire! We are thankful that He is “slow to anger”. We have no choice but to learn 

self-restraint when we are stirred to anger, if we are to follow Jesus! We are not allowed to respond like the world! Jesus did not retaliate, nor even speak in his own defense when he was beaten for our iniquities! 

Our natural inclination is to come back with our own accusations, justifying our actions. Believers must take captive the thoughts the enemy puts in our mind, knowing he is determined to cause division among the brethren! He comes to “kill, steal and destroy” relationships, friendships, marriages, families, and congregations! He leaves destruction in his wake.  BUT what the enemy means for evil, God means for good!

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark‬ ‭11:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we refuse to forgive a wrong done to us - the sins that have been forgiven us, are added back and we become unforgiven, once again! In other words we lose our salvation! (Matthew 18:23-35) it doesn’t matter how big or small the deed! We are commanded to forgive! We have no other option if we will walk with Christ! 

Unforgiveness is the test that most young Christians fail. Hurt feelings is the enemy’s first and most effective ploy in causing a backslidden state. 

Repent while there is still time!

Father please shine your light in the darkness in our hearts, and expose the unforgiveness lurking there! Bring us to repentance.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

I Call Heaven

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” ‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible, from one of my most favorite books. For it was in reading Deuteronomy that my eyes opened; when I actually saw life as I know it; not just a story from a distant land and a people long dead! God revealed to me, "this is where we live!"

I had been taught about the blessings of God, and how to confess them for me and mine, but had never been shown how the curses of God come into play in our lives through disobedience. 

In reading about the curses in Deuteronomy 28, I saw my life and the lives of those I love! I saw how the pain and suffering, the diseases, the lack in provision was directly related to my disobedience to The Word! We confessed the blessings hoping and praying we would be blessed, but we could not be blessed by God because of our sin! 

We like the children of Israel were stiffnecked and rebellious and had turned away from God. We walk in unbelief, fear, unforgiveness, bitterness, judging, grumbling and complaining, gossiping; worshiping a god made in our own image! 

I saw that God is true to His Word!

Then I read in chapter 30: 

“But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:14-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I saw that it is our choices; our decisions that cause us to be blessed or cursed. We can have The Word in our heart and in our mouth, but it must be put into practice! We must "do it!" But it has been so long since we have done it, we are deceived, because "the book of The Law has been lost in the (today's) church! (2Kings 22:8) 

We don't read our Bible, it is covered in dust; basically it is lost in plain sight! We should be ripping our clothes and covering ourselves in ashes in repentance, but we think we are "okay!" The very elect are deceived, as in Mark 13:22.

And what do we have to do to fulfill The Law?  Love! It's so simple, it's hard! Love does no wrong!

“And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 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. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark‬ ‭12:29-31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Love walks in forgiveness! Love does not consider a wrong or hold a grudge! Love puts everyone before self! Love climbs up on the cross and dies to self! 

And back to Deuteronomy 30:

“And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the Lord will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:2, 9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

All we have to do is "turn back" and "forgive" to be forgiven! “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

He is there ready and waiting for us!

Ask God to reveal to you the sins you are holding onto, in your heart, and then confess and repent when He does! And He will!!!!

For there will come a day, when it will be too late to repent! So repent while there is still time!

Turn back and truly see the Blessings of God!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/4/15