And Fear Came

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

What fear?

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

Do you? 

Most don't!

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

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

But guard your heart!

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did they get there?

Through brokenness!

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Examine your heart!

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭7:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA

From 9/27/14

Ye Have Heard

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” Matthew‬ ‭5:38-42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have all heard or read stories about Christians who have been attacked and responded in love and their assailants either let them go or were drastically changed! I grew up loving those kind of stories in Guideposts magazine. 

Over the course of the last year, though, I've come to realize something. It is easier to respond in love to a stranger when you are wronged, than a friend or family member; all because of History!

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” Matthew‬ ‭5:43-46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most often our "enemies" are in our own home, and come with a lifetime of History! 

History is unforgiveness! History is unsettled accounts! History leads to bitterness and corrupts the heart! History always expects the same bad behavior and ends up projecting that behavior on others! History looks for validation! 

“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

The above scripture applies for all wrongs against you! In this life you will suffer! You will be hurt and most often it will be by the ones you love the most! Whether your scars are visible or not, you have to let it go! That does not mean forgetting and moving on! It means forgiving! It means repenting of the sin of  unforgiveness you have held in your heart  and repenting of the judgment (more sin) that you have against that person that keeps you bound  to them! It means confessing that sin to a trusted friend in obedience to God's word in an act of humility! Then the healing comes! His Word is true! 

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

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Someone hurting you physically, mentally, or even financially is no excuse for you to sin! Two wrongs do not make a right! Sin is sin and if you walk in unforgiveness then you are as guilty (if not more) than the one who wronged you! For unforgiveness 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

That hurt and your unforgiveness of it, is not between you and the perpetrator; it's between you and God. It's about obedience to His Word!

No matter what has been done to you, you have to forgive! And when you have truly forgiven and repented, the acts perpetrated against you no longer hurt! You have actually rewritten History! When you have indeed forgiven, you have applied the Blood of Jesus. 

“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah‬ ‭43:25‬ ‭KJV

If we want (expect) God's mercy with regards to our own sins, shouldn't we give mercy to everyone else, too?

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

Forgiveness and mercy is a choice! Choose wisely!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew‬ ‭5:48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

From 10/27/14

I Am

“I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.” Isaiah‬ ‭45:5-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

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

Never ever knowing I was in error! 

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

To my shame, I was defying God! 

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:” Proverbs‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Proverbs‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

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

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you need 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

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

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation‬ ‭21:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA

From 10/10/15 

Not As Though

“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.” Philippians‬ ‭3:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have nothing to boast in, but I can boast in My Lord and Savior! 

What an amazing God we serve! (My vocabulary is so insufficient!)

“Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭23:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I woke up this morning to the gentle and loving chastisement of my Father through His Holy Spirit, showing me where I had blown it this week! Oh and do I see my sin!  His correction giving instant replay of my thoughts and connecting the dots to how I got to that moment! Yes, I feel conviction and remorse for the sin He's called me on; if it had been on a IMAX screen it couldn't have been more in my face, but (and that is a BIG BUT) what I feel most is love!  So unworthy, yet He loves me enough to take time out of His busy schedule to illuminate my shortcomings; His grace and mercy all over me! Oh His love abounds!

This is it!

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭KJV‬

I "joy"

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John‬ ‭15:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My joy is full!

Did I keep His Commandment? No, I missed it big time! I didn't love! I judged! But my heart's desire is to keep them! I confessed my sin (to a friend I trust) and repented, out of obedience to His Word.(James 5:16) 

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.” Psalms‬ ‭105:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have been rewarded! 

My heart rejoices!

What a gift! I am so aware - 

He loves me so much!

This is why I preach repentance! Mercy!

Love!

Grace!         Tangible, not abstract!

With tears and a full heart I thank You my LORD! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/24/16

Brethren If Any

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James‬ ‭5:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You would think, when one discovers The Truth, one would stick with it, however The Truth can be difficult and we (especially) here (in America) don't do difficult well! Our lives are considered "cushy" in comparison with the rest of the world! We have instant everything, and if we have to wait for anything, we often will rethink, abandon and move on to something else. We will endure only so much, such a pitiful lot, we are. "Hard" is only for bodies!

It's no wonder that a soft, easy, and/or pretty and entertaining gospel suits us better! Oh, we don't mind seeking and searching as long as it doesn't put us out or cause discomfort! I mean, after all, "Jesus DID it all so we don't have to" - right?

WRONG!

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  Revelation‬ ‭21:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Overcomes what? 

•  Trials and tests!

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James‬ ‭1:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Trials and tests come, but do we "grumble and complain" or "count it all joy"?

•  Die to the flesh

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Romans‬ ‭8:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Our flesh continually demands satisfaction and it rules our every step unless we consciously bring it into submission! We see athletes diligently overcoming their flesh, however they most often neglect the spirit! Their desired goal is actually feeding their fleshly nature.

If our goal is to look and act like Jesus then we do well!

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The trials (storms) we face have a purpose in our lives. Their intended result is to bring us to Jesus and conform us to His image. And what do we do? Instead of seeking God, asking Him to reveal the (storms’) purpose, we try and pray it away! Instead of humbling ourself, in submission to His will; we dig our heels in and "stand strong" in our belief, even if our belief is in error!

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We walk around in fear, consumed in worry; full of anger, unforgiveness, bitterness and other sins, justifying our rebellion! But it's okay; we are okay, because everyone else does it! 

No.

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Big sins or little sins; sin is not okay!

Confessing and repenting of our sin is hard, but that is the way of escape, provided for us!

“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

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If what you are into; if what you are doing is not conforming you to the image of Christ, then you need to pray for God to open your eyes to The Truth! If you do not have fruit, but walk in anxiety, (be anxious for nothing) you are on the wrong road! If you believe that you can look like the world and still go to heaven you are in error! 

If Jesus Christ in not your principal purpose then you are lost. 

Repent!

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

Jesus can't be second, third or fourth! 

He can't be a "thing" you do! 

He HAS to be your everything, or He is nothing!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/23/15

This I Know

"This I know; because God is for me."

Do you KNOW?

“When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In these days, this has got to be our motto: "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."

Fear will be our biggest enemy! The incessant nagging in our ears of "what could be", "what might be" and "what if", will be a constant battle! And men's hearts will fail!

“Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When the tormentors come we have a choice on whether to listen and accept or take those thoughts captive and cast them down.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Know in your heart that God IS in control, no matter what the enemy says! This is the testing of your faith.  You too, will be sifted! Your choice to submit to God, or turn away. Whether the news comes from a doctor or from the media, KNOW that God knows and is interceding on your behalf that your faith may not fail! (Luke 22:32) In these dark days the Light will still shine; let Him shine through you!

“Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?” Psalms‬ ‭56:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father, I will walk in obedience to Your Word! I will walk in repentance, in forgiveness and in love! I will keep my eyes on You. I will praise Your holy name! I will - to do Your will!

In You, O LORD, I will put my trust!

"Nothing, nothing, nothing happens to you that is not filtered through the fingers of a loving Father! Satan doesn't have a vote; he is just an instrument! Nothing can touch you, unless the Lord allows it!!" KC

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/13/16

Relationships

Relationships- we talk about them a great deal but do we really know how to have a healthy relationship with anyone? It is a rare family that has remained intact and that is loving and supportive without being suffocating.

There are many many books written about relationships in families but the only one that is perfect is The Holy Bible. 

And of course, 1 Corinthians 13 is a great place to start: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is an old saying “Charity begins at home!” “Charity” is more than “love”. Charity I believe is a “Christlike” love!

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Verse 7 describes in detail how to have a perfect relationship with anyone! But let’s look specifically at the family. 

In counseling sessions we always begin with forgiving the mother and the father. Even if you had great parents - because they are human we know they are not perfect. We must also repent of the unforgiveness we’ve held against our parents as it is sin. And we repent of our judgments against them. When we judge them, not only do their sins and their diseases come into our lives but we end up doing the same dumb things they did. Or we marry someone just like our mom or dad; one who has the very same faults we judged.

It is impossible to live 1st Corinthian’s 13:7 without repenting of unforgiveness, judgments, resentments & bitterness anger & pride! There is no “bearing” when the devil is reminding you of every awful thing they did! There is no “enduring”; there is no “believing” when all “hope” is gone! There is no forgiving without God’s intervention! He must open eyes, ears and change hearts for one to obey His Word! Then “charity” becomes a reality!

What else does The Word say about the family?

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Proverbs‬ ‭14:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We as mothers can do everything right and still get it wrong, by worshipping our children above God. They become idols when we put them above everything else. 

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus‬ ‭20:4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Or maybe we have usurped our husband in authority. Instead of submitting to him as head of the house, we call the shots. 

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Ephesians‬ ‭5:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Or maybe we have held onto our role as “mother” and failed to let our adult children be adults. 

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

All of these scenarios are in place because of us not dealing with the sins hidden in our hearts. Spirits of rejection and fear; lusting for approval; anger - all torment us with fear of abandonment and uselessness. We’ve done so much, for so many, for so long - what will we do when we are no longer needed?  The house we built we now tear down when the kids and their families don't want to come by anymore because of our clinging, over protective, or demanding expectations. Marriages are often destroyed by manipulative mothers. 

We hear a great deal about the Proverbs 31 wife and we all would love to be her. 

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs‬ ‭31:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But Proverbs has other things to say about wives too.

“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” Proverbs‬ ‭12:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.” Proverbs‬ ‭21:19‬ ‭KJV

“It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So how do we become that wife who is called blessed?

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs‬ ‭31:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We improve our relationship with our families by improving our relationship with God! 

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”Matthew‬ ‭22:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That means you cannot love anyone or anything above God; even your husband or your children. God must have your whole heart; not just part!

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

It means obey His Word. Forgive, repent, submit!

“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

If you have unforgiveness in your heart you will not be forgiven! Forgive your parents! Forgive your husband! Forgive your kids! And repent of the sin of unforgiveness!

You want a right relationship with your  husband and/or your kids?  Then “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My prayer: Father, we humbly come before You and ask that You show us where we have missed it. Open our eyes and ears and change our heart. Show us our sins so we may repent! Please Lord shine a light on the darkness hidden in the recesses of our heart! Show us faces where we have a breach in our relationships so we can bring restoration through forgiveness! Lord, we love You and our desire is for You; to walk in Your ways. In Jesus name we pray!

Even so - MARANATHA 

Blessed Is He

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” Psalms‬ ‭32:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most think of being "blessed" as "things" received from God! David had everything anyone could possible want but valued forgiveness from God a true blessing! 

To receive that "Blessing" though, took repentance, on David's part!  This scripture shows David first: realizing where he was; examining his heart - he knew he had hidden sin in his heart because of a dry, heaviness in his heart!

When he realized his sin, he humbled himself and acknowledged it. It was no longer hidden. He then confessed his sin and received his forgiveness! 

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have many troubles in this life but separation from God spiritually, because of our sin, causes the greatest sorrow!

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭57:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Examine your heart! Be truthful with yourself! God already knows what's there, you are not fooling Him! If you are unsure of what you have done, ask Him to reveal to you, your sin. Then humble yourself and lay down your pride! That is repentance! Saying the words, "I repent" means nothing if it is not said from a heart willing to turn from it's wickedness! 

God knows the difference! 

Then pray from your heart: "God do to me whatever it takes to make me, the way You want me!"

When your heart does not condemn you - then you have joy!

“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” Psalms‬ ‭32:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/4/14

Sirs What Must

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

Most everyone thinks they are saved.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts‬ ‭16:31‬ ‭KJV

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

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” ‭‭James‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭KJV

Even those who do not believe, don’t believe because of a belief.

The definition:

be·lieve

bəˈlēv/

verb

1. 1. 

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

   "the superintendent believed Lancaster's story"

   synonyms:

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

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

   "I believe we've already met"

   synonyms:

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

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

I am convinced that we underestimate what believing constitutes! 

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

‬‬

Believing "on the Lord Jesus Christ" is a life changing conclusion! It means knowing He is God and obeying His commandments. However, most who confess to being a "believer" give little consideration to His ultimate authority. Lawlessness abounds as we are a rebellious people. 

Submission is a word man does not want to learn.

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

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

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

Wow! 

I'm still reading; daily!

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

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

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

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

Do you love God?

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

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

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”  ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Find out Who Love IS!

Do it while there is still time!

Repent.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/30/17

There Is

There is a big difference in believing in The LORD and obeying The LORD. The is a big difference in believing and following. 

Continuing my read in Jeremiah; I see time and time again, people inquiring of The LORD, through the prophet and then not obeying what The LORD spoke to them, through him. And God was very specific; if you do this - you will be saved. If you do that - you will die. 

They believed enough to inquire, but then didn't believe the message He gave, but followed the evil dictates of their heart, when what they heard did not go along with what they desired to do. 

“and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lord our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:” Jeremiah‬ ‭43:2‬b ‭KJV‬‬

Isn't that what we do? 

We pray, or we ask people to pray to get our own way. We tell God what we want, or what we need, and then go on and do what we had intended to do all along. 

Then we try and claim His blessings in our disobedience.

We believe The Word, when it suits our desires, but when it goes against our wants we justify our sin by saying - "well that's OT; that doesn't count anymore."  "That was for them then; not for us now!" 

The only OT that applies for them is the "good stuff" - not the bad!

This is salad bar religion. 

I know, because that's the way I was too; before! 

BC - does mean "before Christ", in my life. I was as obedient as my church required me to be. 

Before God got a hold of me, I did exactly what I wanted to do and it was okay, because that's what everyone else did, and besides, "God knew my heart!"

I had not read my Bible. I did not know what The Word said about the heart!  (Jeremiah 16:12, Jeremiah 18:12, Luke 6:45, Hebrews 3:12)

Then I began to read The Word!

I have always loved to read. I realized I had never read The Bible from cover to cover; like I read every other book. Oh, I carried it every Sunday. I would highlight the passages the preacher would mention. And if I happened across a Scripture that was a lyric from a song I knew, I would get so excited.

But to sit and read - No. 

Then God put it on my heart to read His Word; and I began - "In the beginning. . . " and I haven't stopped. That was 6 years ago. 

Did you know - it doesn't take a year to read The Bible?  All it takes is a hunger and thirst for Him; for Him to speak to you; to know Him, like He knows you! The Word is life! ‬‬

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” ‭John‬ ‭1:1-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you believe that?‬‬

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most don't believe or comprehend it! Most believe it has been corrupted by men. ‬‬

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah‬ ‭40:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬

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

Being a Christian is not about going to church. It's not about believing. ‬‬

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It's about Following.

It's about obedience! ‬‬

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

Examine your heart.

Ask God to show you where you have missed it, and He will! 

Then repent. 

This time of year; when everyone is saying "put Christ back in Christmas" - Make Him LORD!

Become a Follower!

Put Christ back in "Christian!"

He has to be THE Principal Purpose of your life - or He is not your LORD!

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/2/16

And The Servant

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭2:24-26‬ ‭KJV

It is so important, as servants of The LORD that we remember that God brings to repentance and gives Truth to those He chooses. 

Try as we might we, with our words, can bring no one to saving grace! He and only He has that capability! We are seed sowers only. He brings the storms that water the seed and dampens the ground to accept the seed! He brings the Sonshine that gives growth to the seed, strengthening it so that it may seek freedom from the mud or miry clay! He gives the desire for a hunger and thirst for Righteousness! He is everything in this equation - we are zero!

We received His seed! We were given the desire to grow! We are seed bearers as witness of His Work in us! 

How much does our desire impact our walk?

As we seek - we find.

If we are satisfied - we become stagnant. We will wither and die.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Hebrews‬ ‭12:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, 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 ‭12:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Fighting, striving, running all denote action!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But in Romans the 11th chapter we find we were grafted and can still be cut off. 

“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And then there's this: 

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation‬ ‭21:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I do not believe OSAS! 

And I do not believe that I matter! Yes, I know who I am in Christ, because He died for me and my salvation is His reward for His suffering! I know He loves me! However it's not about me!!!!

Humanism's infiltration of the doctrines and traditions of men has twisted The Gospel. 

We are nothing without Him and our service to Him is our reward! 

To be used for His glory IS joy unspeakable! The overwhelming gratitude in Him finding any worthiness that I may further His Kingdom reminds me of the flowers blooming and showing their face to the sun in gratitude for fulfilling their purpose! It's glorious - even surpassing childbirth! Nothing on this earth compares! But I serve for His pleasure - not mine! 

His pleasure IS my reward! 

My prayer is that God may perhaps grant you repentance that you may know The Truth!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/25/15

“And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.” Numbers‬ ‭18:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have want nor need of nothing more!

Wherefore Kick Ye

“Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In reading the above verse where God is confronting Eli about his wicked sons; something occurred to me.

We are no different today. 

So many of us put our children and their desires above our relationship before the LORD. We make excuses for not going to church or even not studying our Bibles at home and pin it on our busyness with our kids. We refuse to discipline our unruly kids, even though we are admonished to do so in The Word. We sacrifice our time and money on spoiled children who believe it is their right!

Our children are just one of our idols that we worship before the LORD. 

It is a lie of the devil that God winks at our sins. 

Yes, He loves us, but He is still a jealous God and if we won't cast down our idols and tear down our high places, He will! 

“But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34:13-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There are many, today, who go to church and say they love The LORD, but worship other gods too! And they love them more than The One True God; The Maker of Heaven and Earth! They actually worship the creation rather than the Creator, and they think that "it's okay", that "God understands"! (Romans 1:25)

What's true is - 

they don't understand God! 

God speaking:

“Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:32-33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have no clue, as to the impact our relationship with God has on our children and grandchildren; or the lack thereof! 

You want your children to be blessed by God? 

Then YOU seek Him with your whole heart and live in obedience to His Word! 

YOU put Him in first in everything, and His blessings will touch every area of your life! 

YOU trust Him with your children for He is faithful! 

YOU stop worrying for that is unbelief! 

Repent, turn them over to God, and keep your eyes on Jesus! 

He is God and we are not!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/20/15

For There Shall

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

Are you deceived?

Did you know that when you are deceived, you have no clue you are? In fact, you will be convinced you are right and will, like the swine possessed, run headlong off the cliff and perish!

That is what you are doing when you run after "headliners"; when you seek the "signs!”

True prophets do not seek the spotlight! True prophets do not exalt themselves! True prophets of God are humble! Signs and wonders are performed by the unction of God not by demand of a paying public!  True prophets give, they do not charge!

You who've assumed the titles: prophet/prophetess/apostle beware! 

God is a jealous God! He will not share His Glory!  If you are alive and those titles have been placed on you by man and you have gladly accepted them and flaunt them, the sheep you have scattered will be required of you! (Ezekiel 33:1-16)

And you sheep; if you are running to and fro seeking after signs and wonders; going to every big name, feel good preacher of a watered down, sugar coated gospel, do not think you will not be judged! (Ezekiel 34: 17) 

Do not be deceived! 

If your god requires nothing of you, but promises you everything, it is an idol! 

If your walk, with your god is not changing you and causing you to desire change, it is an idol! 

“But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” Jeremiah‬ ‭23:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you get all of your sermons on TV, feel good for watching and you have dust on your Bible, then you are worshipping an false idol! 

God changes not! The Great I Am is still The Great I Am! His Blessings established in the beginning are still operational as are His Curses, when His Laws are broken! 

If you have unrepented sin in your life, you are under the Curse, and that is why you are  sick! You can "claim" the Blessings all you want but will not receive them as long as you are living in rebellion, not turning from your sin! 

If you go to a big convention, and pay to have someone lay hands on you, and are not told to repent, and yet receive a healing, it was not given to you by the Spirit of God, but by the deceiver/satan.

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

God still heals! He still answers prayers! He still meets needs! He still requires repentance for salvation! His Mercy & Grace are still new every morning and freely given, however there is a cost; His life for your life! 

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians‬ ‭6:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/25/14

Honour Thy Father

“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:2-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The first commandment with a promise;” and one of the first commandments we all break. 

If things aren’t “going well with thee”, then this is the first place to look!

When we judge our fathers it causes their sins to come upon us and associated with their sins are their diseases. We then end up doing the same dumb things they did and that’s also how disease is passed down through generations.

Very few have had a perfect father because they are human and they make mistakes. Some mistakes are little; some huge; some monumental. We always expect them to be better than they are capable of being without God’s presence. Many, however, towards the end of their lives, end up being a much better father because they have found The LORD on their search. Then there are those that are not bad, but are “good enough” that they never feel they have a need for God in their lives. They are the ones that break our hearts, for this life is not about here and now but about eternity. 

Across the board, we all need to forgive our fathers; again - some for big things - some for small. You may even have to ask God to show you where you hold unforgiveness in your heart, or maybe it’s something you have never forgotten. But when you forgive, remember (and THIS is important) you must repent of the sin of unforgiveness you have held onto all these years. Then repent for judging them. Release them of all of the hurts they did or didn’t do.  When you honor your father (and mother) you don’t honor their sins, you honor them because you love God and He commands it. It’s not about your relationship with your parents, it ALL about your relationship with God!

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

If when thinking about your father today, you remember a hurt - then it’s not forgiven! When you have truly forgiven and repented of your sin of unforgiveness it no longer hurts. Through repentance God brings the healing, because of your obedience. I know first hand this truth!

So this Father’s Day, give your father the perfect gift - Forgiveness and Honor (even if they are already passed on!) Then thank God for him, for through him God gave you life. 

If you still have your father, give him a call today or go see him and hugggggggg him tightly, for he will not always be with you! 

Even so - MARANATHA! 

What Are You

What are you seeking?

Are you seeking healing?

Are you seeking salvation for your  wife, husband or children?

Are you seeking a job or a new home?

Are you looking to lose weight this year or start a hobby?

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

If you are not seeking God  FIRST, then how can those things be added to you?

It is so easy to get caught up in life; hard things, easy things, good things, bad things! But in the Kingdom of God you have to lose your life to find it! 

“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John‬ ‭12:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He (God) has got to be the principal purpose of your life. He has to consume your thoughts; not your desire for some "thing" or some "one" else. It doesn't work that way. He has to be what you desire more than anything else. And when you are seeking God with all your heart, it really doesn't matter if you get anything else. It won't matter if you lose everything you possess. It won't matter if you have a new job. It won't matter if you live under a bridge. It won't matter if you die - to you!

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The only thing, in this life that truly matters, is Him and your relationship with Him! He has to be your everything; above everything this life has to offer - including your children!

“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

If Jesus Christ is truly your LORD, then this world holds no attraction for you! 

If He is NOT your greatest desire then check your heart! Your salvation depends on this simple yet difficult truth! 

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”  ‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can't love your children with all of your heart and love God with all of your heart! 

God won't settle for a part of your heart! He shouldn't have to! He gave His Son for you!

“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

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA!  

From 2/28/15 

If My People

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Everyone knows this verse! I hear it quoted almost weekly! 

It seems that people think by quoting it something magical will happen! That our once great country will recover and once again rule in power! Nothing could be further from the truth!

For "His people" are not humbling themselves, nor are they "turning from their wicked ways!" 

It's more than going to church every time the doors open! It's more than volunteering to feed the hungry! It's about surrender! It's about laying aside "self" or giving up your life's wants and desires for His! It's actually about "finding yourself!"

My generation has been most vocal about "finding yourself!" Knowing what you were meant to "do"! We've had this feeling that "there was more to life than all of this!" And there is!

The only way to find yourself is to lose yourself in Him!

“Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke‬ ‭17:33‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have all missed the boat! 

Being saved is not about us! It's about Him! Our salvation is not about making us happy! When we fully surrender we have joy unspeakable, which is so much better than being happy! But if we were never happy again, it would be alright, because we are here for His pleasure not ours! When we become His servants our fulfillment, our existence is found in doing His will! 

If you are living to suit yourself; make yourself or your family happy and comfortable; seeking your own gain, then you are not surrendered to Him! You may go to church but the god you worship is made in your own image! Your god is Self! 

That is why our country won't recover! This calamity that has befallen us is from God - in judgment of our wickedness!

“But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:19-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You are responsible for the downfall of this nation! You turn from your wicked ways! You repent and humble yourself before the Creator of all things! 

If we all will - 

then He might relent!

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 11/11/14