I Will Set

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭101:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It takes a concerted effort to accomplish the above in these days. Everywhere we look wickedness abounds. The more we look the more desensitized we become, where once something would shock us, now it no longer does. However, when we choose to turn from wickedness, once again we become offended by the evil we see. 

The enemy is always on the offensive; the assault to recover that which he has lost. Temptation comes in all forms; lust of the eyes; the pride of life; desires of the flesh, everywhere we gaze. 

We are admonished to "look not!"  How do we do it in days of such lawlessness? Separation!  Turn off the TV; don't pick up the magazine; unfollow friends that have unfiltered mouths; don't open news stories on Facebook, etc. Don't take the bait! What's on the end of that hook may look tasty but it never satisfies as promised. 

When we say "keep your eyes on Jesus" we are not speaking in the abstract; we mean it literally! 

“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

You choose deliberately to look at things that edify; that encourage; that glorify The LORD! Meditate on Scripture; the best way to soothe a troubled spirit. Fellowship with like minded believers. Confess your failings and pray for one another! Be the arms of Jesus and speak His Words; encourage the brethren. 

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The enemy would paint a picture of never ending hopelessness, but he is a liar! It is so easy to get sucked in to his darkness, so we must seek light! Life changes in mere seconds; and can go either way! Always, what looks like disaster is actually an opportunity for God to work for His glory! 

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

The wilderness is a growing period; unwelcome but so productive! The time of testing hard; correction painful. 

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms‬ ‭30:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I need to encourage myself I go to Psalm 139.

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalms‬ ‭139:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans‬ ‭8:31‬b ‭KJV‬‬

Thank You Father for Your Word! Thank You that we may come before You with a repentant heart and You in Your great mercy gather us to You, in Love and forgiveness. Open our eyes, open our ears, change our hearts, LORD so that we may know You more and walk with assurance on the path You have set before us. As we seek You with our whole hearts, keep us safe from the enemy! Teach us Your ways, and we will walk in them, with a grateful heart! In Jesus name I pray! Amen.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 2/1/17

So The King

“So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam.”

2 Chronicles‬ ‭11:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"for the cause was of God," 

"for this thing is done of Me."

How often do we consider that the storm, test, or trial we are going through - is from God? 

When we are faced with adversity don’t we just start praying for relief?

Don't we give credit to the devil and start "cursing and binding the enemy", and "standing on the promises" in an effort to change our situation for what we consider the better?

Do we ever consider that storm may sent by God, to move us out of our rebellion? 

Do we ever bend our knee in repentance and ask God to show us our sin so that we may get back on the "narrow way"? 

God IS in control of all of our situations, no matter how much we like to think we are! When things go wrong, we take the position we are under attack and go into defense mode! 

Turning to God in submission should be our first impulse; not our last resort!

"God helps those who help themselves" is not in the Bible! That is a lie straight out of hell, no matter what you think! 

We, in our busy lives, give little to no consideration to what God thinks about what we do in our daily business! So wrong, for He is a part of EVERYTHING!

“Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.” Psalms‬ ‭139:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

When we choose our own way, and walk in opposition to God we can expect adversity! Praying for relief without submission is to no avail! 

If we would but turn -

Father, I recognize that You are God and I am not. I submit to Your will. Please LORD, direct my every step! I repent of my rebellion; of all of the times I have not sought You in my decisions. I repent of placing my will above Yours. Please LORD be ever in my thoughts and make Your will known to me in every move I make today! And may the words of my mouth, and even my thoughts, be pleasing to You! In Jesus name I pray! Amen.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/5/16

If Any Man

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew‬ ‭10:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You who call yourself a "Christian; are you? 

Are you a disciple?

In the scriptures referenced above and below, Jesus is giving guidelines of what is "necessary" (not optional) to be a "Follower of Christ"! 

The requirement to "follow" Jesus is for Him to have first place in your heart; not second; not third - FIRST!

You cannot place your children or your spouse above Him! You cannot place your career or hobby, above Him! 

If you eat, breath, and chase after anything other than Jesus you are not a disciple!  

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

We all have known people who were radical in their faith! We have laughed at them and thought, "well that's okay for THEM"! We have shook our heads; happy to just put our time in (at church) twice a week, and maybe work the nursery or parking lot once a month!

The gospel which is preached in the majority of churches today, is not the gospel that Jesus preached! 

In today's big churches (social clubs) there is no requirement to be a "Christian", except maybe to go forward and say a few words and commit to support the "church" financially! 

There is no repentance! There is no confessing your sins! One is not told it will cost you everything; that He requires you to forsake all you hold dear! That a choice has to be made; the world or Jesus!

These "saved sinners" or "carnal christians" are sold a lie and are "false converts"if they have made "the decision" not knowing that God demands them to give everything up, like the "rich young ruler"! 

(Matt 19:16-21)

“He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew‬ ‭10:39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” Luke‬ ‭14:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When you made your decision to become a Christian did you count the cost? 

There IS a cost!

If tomorrow you were told that you and/or your family would be killed if you won’t renounce your belief in Jesus as The Christ; would you stand by and watch their deaths - firm in your stand or would you save their lives by capitulating; by renouncing your belief?

This scenario is occurring around the world everyday and we will be faced with that decision, here, in the future! 

If you have not, like Abraham put your child (or spouse) on the altar, in sacrifice to God, then you are a "Christian" in name only! You are worshiping a false god, if you are not required to forsake all! 

Read your Bible, for yourself! The Creator of the universe; The Great I AM, is a jealous God who will have nothing before Him! 

“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If this post makes you mad, you are under conviction! Examine your heart!

Seek The Truth! 

Read The Bible for yourself! 

That's what I did! I found The Truth!

The Truth set me free! It will you too!

Warning: you too will become radical!!!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/19/14

I Was Reading

I was reading an article on Facebook the other day and a statement gave me cause for reflection:

“Can we talk about this issue (abortion) without imposing morality on people.”

“Imposing morality!” 

When did we get to the place where “imposing morality” on people was a bad thing? 

So I Googled “moral decline” and was surprised at the following answer:

YAHOO ANSWERS

 Best Answer

“One of the most surprising developments of the last 50 years has been the dramatic shift away from moral values that provided the foundation of Western civilization. Older generations wonder why this is happening and where it will lead. Younger people seem oblivious to the concern. 

“The Western media has become increasingly hostile to values. Public schools demand value-neutrality. Religious leaders are increasingly prone to ambiguity and compromise in vital areas of doctrine and morals. The result has been a surge in divorce, cohabitation, sexual promiscuity, perversion, teen pregnancy, abortions, child abuse, drug abuse, rape, cheating, shoplifting, embezzling, bankruptcy, incivility, and violent crime—

“The intellectual elite of America and Western Europe—academics, writers, filmmakers, television producers, liberal politicians and theologians—have promoted this "do-your-own-thing morality".”

I then looked up moral:

mor·al

ˈmôrəl/

adjective

1. 1. 

   concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.

   "the moral dimensions of medical intervention"

   synonyms:

   virtuous, good, righteous, upright, upstanding, high-minded, principled, honorable, honest, just, noble, incorruptible, scrupulous, respectable, decent, clean-living, law-abiding "a moral man"

Just looking at the synonyms tells the story. Today our society has become the opposites! Those attributes are still to be desired but they are no longer considered the standard.  “Law-abiding seems to be key! Even most church goers argue over The Law and do not want to be held to it!

We have always had immoral people in the world. The fall of our society is due to the “lawlessness” of the church and it comes down to compromise; the desire to be relevant; a lie of the enemy.

Excerpts from my reading this morning:

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” Ezekiel‬ ‭34:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” Ezekiel‬ ‭34:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The decline in our society is a result of a decline in the morals in the pulpits.  We have gone so far astray, only God can now save us.

“For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel‬ ‭34:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.” Ezekiel‬ ‭34:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are in the last days and we are hurtling down to destruction. God is calling out His sheep and is raising a standard. He is calling for a holy people. Are you listening for His voice?

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians‬ ‭1:21-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you are not seeking Him with your whole heart you are in a backslidden state. You are either moving forward or falling away; there is no coasting with Christ. It’s time for a heart check. 

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:14-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is yet still time!

Even so - MARANATHA 

And He Said

“And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” Luke‬ ‭15:11-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I was a prodigal! Several times!

Many times I turned around and each time my life changed, however, I never came face to face with my sin! I knew I didn't like where I was, I knew I had to do better! I knew I had to stop "the bar-room" sins, and I did, for a time, but when the tests came I had no staying power on my own! After, so many trips down to the altar failed, I finally got to the point of the "whatever it takes God" prayer! True repentance!

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” Luke‬ ‭15:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I came to myself! I got low enough that at that point I threw up my hands and surrendered all! I had done what the church said, and had said the words, but had (up to that point) never gotten so low there was no other place to go but to God! 

THAT is where you find Him!

You recognize your nothingness! You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have tried everything and failed and are willing to truly humble yourself before your Creator and verbally give up - everything! 

You lay down your pride!

You come to the realization that in you there is nothing good, that you have nothing to offer Him, except your will; the very thing He requires; the very thing the devil refused to give and doesn't want you to do! Your choice at that very point who you will follow!  

“And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The prodigal laid down his rights, his expectations of grandiose living in his father's mansion, and was begging just let me serve! His was a "whatever it takes" father, just let me come home prayer! I am willing!

There was no "help me Lord to do Your will!" His was "I will do Your will!"  No argument over punishment; no - "that's not fair"; no - "well how about?", JUST - "anything you require, Lord, I will happily do!"

I'm sure the prodigal's father had also prayed "whatever it takes" Lord to bring my son to his senses, too! 

"Whatever it takes" is where the rubber meets the road! It's the hardest prayer anyone will pray and it's the most effective! It's desperation in action! It is blurted out! It is wailed! It is sobbed! It is powerful!  It is what God is waiting for, from all of us! 

Are you a prodigal? Are you a parent with a prodigal? Are you just ready for a deeper relationship with God? Pray: "whatever it takes!"

Then trust God! 

He is worthy of your trust! 

It will get worse and you will be tempted to try and reconsider that prayer, but trust God! 

Keep your hands off of what you have given to Him, to "keep"; you; your spouse; your children!

Let Him have His perfect way, in perfecting you and yours!

You just "keep" your eyes on Jesus, and trust! 

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

Don't look at the situation; look at Jesus! 

 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/18/14

Now Go

“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not”(‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:3‬a KJV‬‬)

was the command given to Saul.

Then The LORD told Samuel: “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And Samuel calls Saul on it! 

“Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord?” 1 Samuel‬ ‭15:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then Saul argues; justifies his actions and blames others: “And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭15:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isn't that what we do? Instead of obeying God's commandments we justify our disobedience to ourselves  and expect Him to understand; "We did it for Him!"

“But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are called to separate ourselves from the world; we are commanded to not love the things of the world, but yet we have taken the things of the world that we love and incorporated them into the church! ("all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them.") 

One example that comes to mind is our music. Any given Christian concert looks just like a secular concert! Take away the words of any song and it is indistinguishable from any secular song. And the same "worship" is done in our churches every week.  

Indistinguishable is not separated!

Our justification? “It's for The LORD!”

Obedience is on our terms! 

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭15:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We, today, don't know what sacrifice is "because Jesus did it all!" We go about like Saul, prideful; cutting corners and making excuses! Our rebellion runs deep. We have missed it, just like Saul! We do what we want, never mind what He requires!

Do not think this is about the music; it's about the heart!

The sacrifice of our will in submission to His Commands is the only true worship He desires! 

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

Rebellion is not a little thing! 

It is actually everything!

Repent of your stubborn rebellion and obey The Word of The LORD, while there is still time! 

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The consequences of disobedience we face -

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”Matthew‬ ‭7:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms‬ ‭51:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is time.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/18/16

Then Said David

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:45-47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How many of us stand before our adversaries with the knowledge that "the battle is the LORD'S"?  

When was the last time, when confronted with your Goliath, that your response was "but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts"?

Is it because we don't "know" Him? 

David came to the army and was astounded that no one would stand up to the giant! He heard Goliath's taunts and then received rebuke from his brothers, because he stood up!  

“And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” 

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"Is there not a cause?"

The army of Israel had come into agreement with the devil! They believed his lies and were already defeated before the battle had even begun! They "served" the same God as David, but they did not KNOW Him! They were a member of the Army of The Living God, and were cowering behind their tents! David was incredulous at their behavior! 

David KNEW first hand God's ability and willingness to fight for him!

“David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:37‬a ‭KJV‬‬

He KNEW first hand "the battle is the LORD’s!"

And so can we! 

The God we serve IS David's God. He has not changed! Get it in your head: He is the very same God and He still fights for us! He still IS!

Paul KNEW!

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can KNOW too! 

You can BELIEVE! 

You can be PERSUADED!

But you have to give up the throne of your heart and submit to Him! You have to surrender to Him and let Him take control! There can be only ONE head! If you ask Him to lead, you have to be willing to follow! You are commanded to obey! To join His army you must repent of your rebellion and lay aside your right to your rights! Servants have none! It's all or nothing! 

Enlisting in His Army gives you access to all of His Benefits! But just KNOW it's for life! No getting out for any reason! Oh, you can go AWOL, but I promise you, it will be a move you will regret! Time does not permit for me to expound on the benefits of our retirement! 

You want to see the world? Enlist in The Army of THE LIVING GOD! You will slay giants everyday!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/19/16

Who Can Utter

“Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.” Psalms‬ ‭106:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Reading the above verse I am so painfully aware that I do not do this! I want to "do righteousness at all times", but fail daily! My hearts desire is be holy "as He is holy" and I blow it, continually! 

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I remember when I first started reading my Bible years ago, I would read how the Israelites would sin against God, right after He had done some great miracle, and I would sit in judgment, thinking to myself, "I wouldn't do that!" 

Now as I read; I see myself just like the Children of Israel, sinning against The Lord, moments after witnessing a wondrous event that was so obviously God!  

In humble repentance, I confess my old man not being as dead as he should be, and I give thanks that God has made me, once again, to realize my failings!

“Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” Psalms‬ ‭106:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I love "that"; my daily wanderings in the wilderness give Him ample opportunities to look good! But isn't that His way?  My weaknesses; my inabilities easily show that I'm incapable, but that He is working in me and through me! 

The children would rejoice in His miracles then turn around and sin! 

“Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” Psalms‬ ‭106:12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Again and again -

“They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.

Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106:21-22, 24-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them: But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them. Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106:34-39‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have done all of this!

And will again.

“Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.” Psalms‬ ‭106:43-45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Praise God that He WILL hear my cry, also, and deliver me once again, because He knows me! He knows what I'm made of; He knows where I've come from; He knows where I'm going; He knows because He called me! He's perfecting me! 

My hearts desire is to serve Him, without reservation! To seek Him all my days! To be available for His use, as He needs me! 

As long as I stay humble and repentant He can work in me! And when I get too full of myself, He's quick to point out He IS God, not me!

“Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalms‬ ‭106:47-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Join me this morning, in praise of a God that is powerful enough to create the universe and yet personal enough to give a spanking to His wayward child!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/25/14

“For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I Wait

“I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” Psalms‬ ‭130:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Waiting on The LORD is difficult at best, especially when we have petitioned Him on behalf of someone else!  When the one we love is in need or in pain; when have prayed diligently for their relief and it seems The LORD is dragging His feet; especially when it looks like the end is closer than the trial being over!

You pray and then wonder why He's taking so long! What is the point to the lesson? The pain, physical and/or mental is more than one can bear! Instead of your faith growing, as the days go by; it wanes! You've done everything you know to do - and now you wait!

It's hard to watch! 

It's hard to hope! 

It's hard to trust!

It's hard to believe!

It's hard to give "it" to God!

But, that's the key - 

"Give "it" to God!"

When the problem is more than you can accomplish - give it up! Put it on the altar! 

"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)

In faith, Abraham believed God!  He went up that mountain, prepared in his heart to give his son to God; not "seeing" that God had a sacrifice waiting for his use; but believing God was able to bring his son back from the dead, if that was what God required of him! 

Are you prepared?

The situation you are "looking at" is temporal! The only thing that is forever is Eternity! And EVERYTHING we face IS an Eternity issue! 

- How we and our love one endures the trial;

- How we wait on The LORD; whether we take the problem off the altar and carry the load ourselves, again; 

- Whether we have peace, trusting in God to see us through to the other side, or if we need drugs to cope;

How long our trial continues has great bearing on how long we grumble and complain - while we wait! 

The night watchmen, kept watch, through the long nights; vigilant in what they were called to do, because they knew the night would not go on forever! The morning always comes, because God said it would! They not only hoped in Him, they KNEW He was faithful! They would see the light! They were able to watch, to wait; alert to perform the task at hand, but in peace of mind, because the knew Whom they believed!

 

Your trial might last a while. It might last 40 years or even a lifetime! However, it's your choice if it lasts for eternity! 

Repent of your sin of unbelief; not trusting God; not giving Him full control of the outcome your trial; not believing He is able! 

Choose to be obedient to your task. Wait and watch well!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/27/14

But There Were

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”‭‭ 2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.” 2 Peter‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:14-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Bottom line: the end is near; scoffers abound as do false teachers; you can be deceived; and even though He would prefer all to be saved, He will let you go to hell if you choose to be led astray (broad easy road) instead of pursuing righteousness (narrow hard road)! 

Repent while there is still time!

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

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/25/15

Be Ye Angry

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:26-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you see here that sin gives place to the devil? It gives him opportunity! 

It doesn't matter if it is anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, covetousness, adultery, fear or any other sin! 

Sin opens the door and allows the devil to do his thing; i.e. kill, steal, & destroy! Oh, and throw in there torment! 

“All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭44:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Since my conversion, I have purposed in my heart to seek Him; walk with Him; serve Him! 

And about the time I think I'm getting the hang of this servanthood, He exposes another sin! One that may have been hidden or one that may have crept in under my radar!

“If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Psalms‬ ‭44:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sometimes it takes a while for me to recognize I'm being chastised! Sometimes it quickly slaps me in the face! Those "aha" moments are thrilling and humbling at the same time! 

When faced with my sin I have the opportunity to do one or two things! Justify or repent! 

Justifying is what the devil does! He makes excuses and refuses to obey because he has a right! But the right way is to lay down your "right"! Give up your "right"! Not be right - for the sake of being obedient to His Word! 

“For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Laying down my pride, humbling myself in repentance, admitting that I'm wrong, confessing my sin to another is so hard, because my flesh, my old man does not want to die! Oh, I get victory in an area and then another spot demands attention! And all the while the battle continues, then the skirmish is over and the enemy retreats to fight yet another day! 

“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

I'm bloodied, and bruised but the victory is mine, because I do not war alone, when I choose to enter in the fight and obey, instead of refusing to engage! 

All the while I know I am being perfected! 

“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

All of the promises of God are true and ours when we are obedient! But we don't obey for the promises! We obey because of our love for Him! That is how we show our devotion! We obey because He obeyed, even unto death on a cross! 

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Mark‬ ‭10:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How can we say, "No, I won't"?

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 2/22/15

I Begin

I begin this morning in chapter 13 of Ezekiel. What breaks my heart is that it’s like reading today’s Christian Magazines. Today’s headliners, all self-proclaimed prophets, prophesying peace and prosperity.

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭13:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

People from every denomination, going to all the big name conferences; looking for a “Word” from The LORD, yet who will not set aside time to read His Word. Who refuse to repent of their sins; who are disobedient to His Commandments.  People looking for a quick fix, with no effort, to what troubles them. 

Reading on:

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?” Ezekiel‬ ‭14:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“because they are all estranged from me through their idols. . . Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” Ezekiel‬ ‭14:5b-6‬b KJV‬‬

God has been calling men to repentance from long ago, and men turned their hearts away from obeying - just as they have today. Suffering the consequences, they seek an alternative route; anything to bypass obedience! So accustomed to the resulting torment; men invent a god made in their own image; one who will not require them to give up their idols. The trials become the norm. They exhaust every avenue to find relief until they finally, in desperation, turn to the One True God or He turns from them.

“And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I set my face against them.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Because men do not know The Word there is no discernment.

“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

Jesus Himself prophesied this:

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV

It is imperative that you read The Holy Bible. And read it continually; not occasionally. There is no other way for you to know if you are being preached lies or Truth! 

Discernment is not knowing the difference between “right and wrong.” It’s knowing the difference between “right and almost right!” (Spurgeon) 

“And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth–gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. 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 ‭22:19-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Lying spirits are still at work to deceive whomever will listen; who refuse to obey The Word Of God. 

Time is growing shorter by the day! You must turn in repentance. Lay down your idols and seek Him with your whole heart - before it’s too late.

Even so - MARANATHA 

The Word

“The word of the Lord also came unto me, saying, Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.”

Ezekiel‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oh, is this a scripture for today!!! Never before has the church been so blind and what’s truly heartbreaking is that God has caused this blindness because of our hearts!

“But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel‬ ‭11:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This brings to mind the children of Israel wanting meat - that the manna which God had provided wasn’t good enough. 

“And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭11:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

After we turn to the LORD, we often think because we stopped doing certain things we are good, however if our desires do not change - what change has there been?

"You are not what you do, but what you want to do!"  "Deal with the attitude of the heart as though it were the act!" Paris Reidhead

Jesus even addressed this: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew‬ ‭5:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Just to stop doing something is not enough, if you still want to do it in your heart! 

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God is able to remove those desires from your heart but that comes through repentance! You have to become so disgusted with your sin; recognizing you are incapable of change yourself, that you cry out to God for deliverance. You have to know that only He is able to do that work in you and surrender your control over the act. Just stopping leaves the desire there. When God does it - it’s as if, it never were! 

We have justified; we have compromised; we have allowed sin to remain for so long - we truly believe we are “okay” and that God is “okay” with the sin that remains! Hence the blindness! Well, they are little sins. Everyone does them. 

I wish I had a dollar for every time I spoke to someone about forgiveness and they said “Oh, I have forgiven, but I’ll never forget!” The conversation almost always ends with, “Well God knows my heart!”

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we refuse to obey God, He hardens our heart and the blindness begins. 

When we refuse to obey, He allows the tormentors to torture us. 

It is imperative we seek God with our whole hearts and ask Him to show us the sin hiding in the darkest corners. The things we have stuffed, rather than dealing with - is not gone. It remains and will be a block for the blessings of God. (Read ALL of Deuteronomy 28.) 

Just unforgiveness alone will keep you from heaven!

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There will be NO “unforgiven” people in heaven.

Confession to a trusted person, forgiveness given, and repentance for the sin of unforgiveness and judgments brings healing!

“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

If you need healing, humble yourself and obey His Word. Forgive with repentance and you will no longer feel the pain! THAT’s when you know it’s truly forgiven. We obey and God does a miracle! It’s as if it never happened; as if it happened to someone else. Then you KNOW you have had a heart change. Then the blinders come off!

Repent - deal with your stuff while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA 

And Moses

“And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭16:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Working with the public, I hear a great deal of murmuring; about anything and everything you can imagine! Some translations say “grumbling and complaining!”  We, almost without exception, are a critical bunch; never satisfied. It’s either too hot or too cold; too much rain or not enough. 

Did you notice in the above scripture the last line? 

“your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.”

It’s the same today. 

We may not think that our complaints are directed at God, but He, however, takes them as such. The reason - He is our Provider! When we complain we are in essence accusing Him; saying He has failed to provide for us sufficiently!  He hears our “murmurings and takes them personally. He considers it sin. 

There is a critical spirit that is rampant in the church, today. It’s one that is acceptable because of its prevalence.  The enemy knows the implications and whispers all of his accusations against God in our ears, and we in ignorance repeat them to anyone that will listen. We are so bad we even complain unconsciously, just to ourselves, when we are alone.  

Some would say this is legalistic; OT stuff, however look at what The New Testament has to say about this pervasive sin:

“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have such a great deal to be thankful for; yet we are such an ungrateful lot. We are commanded to even offer a sacrifice of praise when things are at their worst! 

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews‬ ‭13:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Our words are considered the “fruit of our lips!” I would say our fruit is pretty much rotten, which is a reflection of our hearts. 

“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

“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

Do we speak love when we are dissatisfied? 

Are we longsuffering  when things don’t go our way?

Are we joyful when we are accused?

Are we gentle with the people that fail us?

You get the picture.

My prayer:  Father I humbly come before You confessing my sin of murmuring. I repent Father God for my unthankful heart. I repent for listening to the lies of the enemy and speaking them. I ask LORD that you would forgive me for implying that You have not provided for me. You are such a good good Father and You take great care of Your children, yet we are continually ungrateful. I ask Your forgiveness for the words that I have spoken against You and for that sin in my heart. Make me aware of the words I speak; let me hear what is displeasing to You. Cleanse me. In Jesus’ precious name I pray! Amen.

Even so - MARANATHA 

Now Is The End

“Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.” Ezekiel‬ ‭7:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have been stuck in this chapter all week. Every morning I have read these verses and then reread them; and then reread them again. 

“And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel‬ ‭7:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This from long ago is pertinent for today. For we also will be held accountable for our abominations, in the not so distant future. 

“Thus saith the Lord God; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come.” Ezekiel‬ ‭7:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Four times He says “is come!” Three in one verse! Repetition denotes emphasis! No doubt it IS COME!

We know the end is coming; even unbelievers can look around as see the signs. 

“The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.” Ezekiel‬ ‭7:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The day of trouble is near.”

“Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.” Ezekiel‬ ‭7:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Chilling words.

“And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the Lord that smiteth.” Ezekiel‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭KJV‬

Our time, too, is coming. 

A time for repentance is running out.

So many who believe they are safe will be stunned to find out that what they thought was “Truth” was a lie; that they have been deceived. Jesus warned us, yet because we chose to follow denominational doctrine and traditions of man instead of reading and obeying The Word Of God, many will hear:  “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” Matthew‬ ‭25:12‬b KJV‬‬

And -

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It comes down to -

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

It’s not just going to church and tithing! It’s doing what He said!

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James‬ ‭1:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Deceived people do not know they are deceived.

It all comes down to what is in your heart! If you want to know what’s there - look no further than what comes out of your mouth!

“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

  • Worry and fear - the evil sin of unbelief! 

  • Grumbling and complaining - kept the children of Israel out of the Promise Land! 

  • Unforgiveness, bitterness, resentments, judgments 

  • Pride, anger, lust 

Just to name a few - that we are told are sins - that are acceptable in the church but not by God! He commands us to repent - turn and change!

Unforgiveness alone will keep you out of heaven!

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬ 

How can we expect our Father to forgive us our sins when we refuse to forgive others?

We are commanded to walk like Jesus. To be His hands, His feet, His mouth - saying what He says;  if we are His Followers. 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We must share in His sufferings - denying our flesh; facing persecution; maybe even death! 

“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

The hope of glory - 

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew‬ ‭7:13-14‬ ‭KJV

Don’t follow the crowds; the big ministries; the broad way!

The narrow way is hard. 

Pick up your cross; even if you have to walk it alone! 

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew‬ ‭28:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA!