The Devil Has

The devil has been telling mankind we do not have to obey the Word of God since the garden Eden and he is still doing it, today. When he says that you can live like the world and still be a Christian, we like Adam and Eve, fall for his lies.

However, The Bible says you can not love the things of the world and love God.

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” John‬ ‭14:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Most "Christians" are indistinguishable from the world. They love the same things, go to the same places, do the same things! They talk the same way, dress the same way and are okay with it! They are happy in their belief that you don't have to be "sold out", "extreme", or "radical" all the while boasting of being a "peculiar people."

They might have had an "experience" at one time; might have even read their Bible for a while; but when the testing came, they fell away. They may even have continued going to church, because of the way they were raised; "that's just what you do!"

They "love" Jesus and their "Jesus" is okay with their lifestyle because he is not the Jesus in the Bible. He is a "another Jesus!"

“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 has not changed! The church has! And He said it would!

Here’s proof!

“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"

"having a form of godliness"

Doesn't THAT describe the church at large?

Entertain me!

Lights! Loud music! Programs! videos! Short sermons that make you feel good! Then off to lunch! Movies. Concerts. Ball games. 

What happened to set apart? 

What happened to repentance?

What happened to holiness?

What happened to hunger and thirsting after righteousness?

What happened to salt?

What happened to light?

What happened to:

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew‬ ‭22:37-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Compromise!

We have not laid down our idols! We worship everything but God, but because we go to church and sing songs we think we are okay! 

The argument goes: "how can we reach the lost if we don't go where they are?"  The reality is because we are "where" they are - we have nothing to offer them! They see no difference. They call us hypocrites, and they are right! 

What a mess we are.

Oh, if only we had the power promised us! Then they would know! If only the Light of The World shone as brightly in us as He should! But He can't for all of the darkness still in our hearts. There is no room for Him because we are full of ourselves.

“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"Worldliness is whatever makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange." Kevin DeYoung

If you have chosen to take a stand for righteousness, you will feel like you stand alone. The narrow road is not heavily traveled and is hard for a reason. It's a proving ground for the overcomers. 

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

The walk of a Follower of Jesus Christ is not supposed to be easy, because His walk was not easy! Being ridiculed and shunned by those you love is heart breaking; but that was His walk. We are to "count it all joy",  but often have to be reminded to do so! 

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke‬ ‭6:27-28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Prayer is the key that opens doors! Prayer changes things. Prayer is our best defense. 

If you pray: "LORD open my eye; open my ears; change my heart! He will! You start reading your Bible and diligently seeking Him, you WILL find Him! He will draw you unto Himself! I promise you, it will not be the sugarcoated message preached in most churches, you will find. But the uncompromising message of the Cross will be the sweetest Word you have ever tasted; worth all of the pain the world can throw at you! There is no turning back!

Examine your heart and repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/10/17

Thou Hast Turned

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

The Dance: 

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

You pray the music never ends!

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

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

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

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

Please LORD, don’t ever stop!!!! 

Thank You LORD, for Your mercy and Your grace!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/14/14

“Chase God until He catches you!” Chet Murrell 

Take Heed Therefore

“Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When did the lights go out in the church; literally and figuratively?

I have been to many churches and also seen videos posted on Facebook of services and it seems the lights are dimmed; if not just plain dark! Is that for entertainment's sake?

“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” ‭‭3 John‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oh, and it's impossible to tell secular from Christian concerts. They remind me of the bars I used to frequent. It's always a shock when the lights come on - no matter what time it is.

“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What is appealing in darkness, with twinkling lights, appears repulsive and ugly in bright light. As does sin!

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do dimmed lights equate reverence? Does darkness evoke a sense of worship? It does if you worship darkness!

“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

Turn on the lights!

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

Ask God to shine His light and expose all of the darkness residing in your temple!

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father open our eyes, open our ears! 

Change our hearts; bring  us to repentance!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/23/16

For If Ye

“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

Everyone says: “Oh I have forgiven, but I’ll never forget!”  Or they post memes on Facebook that betray their heart! We see your pain!

If it still hurts - it’s not forgiven!

Unforgiveness is a sin, and of which repentance must be made! That is the key! You can forgive all you want, but if it wasn’t immediately done (at the time of the hurt) then you sinned against God! You disobeyed His Commandment! When you hold onto the pain, not releasing it, you have sinned. Not repenting keeps the wound open so it cannot heal!

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew‬ ‭7:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When someone hurts us - we judge them. We listen to and agree with the enemy about how bad they did us and we commit sin. That sin ties that hurt to us and then it happens to us over and over again until we repent of our sin of judgment. Yes, they did us wrong, but we are not to be the judge and jury passing sentence on them, that position is reserved for Jesus Christ. We have to forgive and repent of our judgments to get out of the way and let God handle it; or else we’ve tied His hands.  When we hold onto the pain and judgments we are putting ourselves above God. That pain cannot heal because of our sin.

“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

You want healing? Humble yourselves in repentance and confess your sin to someone you can trust; like an accountability partner. Have them pray for you after you have prayed in repentance. When we humble ourselves miracles occur. The sin of Pride blocks God’s hand from moving on our behalf. 

The way the world does things is NOT the way God does things. God uses the “least” so He can get the glory! 

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:27-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The world puts a bandaid on a wound, and when removed there is an ugly scar. God heals and it’s as if it never happened. Broken hearts are made new with no scars! No pain associated with the memory and often times the memory is forgotten entirely! It’s as if it never happened! That’s what Forgiveness with Repentance does! It’s the blessing of obedience to The Word Of God! 

Ask God to open your eyes and ears. Ask Him to show you the unforgiveness hiding in your heart! He will show you faces and instances that still hurt! You MUST deal with your sin or you WILL NOT  be forgiven of your sins! This is serious business!

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” Matthew‬ ‭18:32-35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

Where Is Repentance

Where is repentance?

The cry of the masses:

 "It's not my fault!" 

 "I didn't do anything!"

 The pointing of the finger - "They did it!"

The world has gone crazy, everywhere! No responsibility for their actions. No humbling themselves in an attitude of remorse. No acceptance in their part of a wrong done.

“They are not humbled even unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers.” Jeremiah‬ ‭44:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I always loved the early Indiana Jones movies. In the "Last Crusade" Indiana's father has been shot and so he has to go through a series of tests to find the Holy Grail in hopes of saving him. He says over and over: The "Penitent man is humble… kneels before God." While over and over, his dad  is saying: "Only the penitent man will pass."

Do we even know what that means?

According to Google:

PENITENT (pen·i·tent/adjective)

1. feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant.

"a penitent expression"

synonyms: repentant, contrite, remorseful, sorry, apologetic, regretful, conscience-stricken, rueful, ashamed, shamefaced, abject, in sackcloth and ashes

"she stood there looking like a penitent child"

antonyms: unrepentant

noun: penitent;

plural noun: penitents

1. a person who repents their sins or wrongdoings and (in the Christian Church) seeks forgiveness from God.

We face tests from God every day.  Do we humble ourselves in repentance and beg for forgiveness, when we miss it? 

"When our lemon (heart) gets squeezed does honey come out?" (As a friend often says!)

Or do we believe we are "good" and in our rebellion continue in our sins of unforgiveness, judgments, anger, lust, pride, fear, worry, gossiping, grumbling & complaining, bitterness, resentment, and unbelief?

“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There will come a day, soon, when we will stand before God give an account of every unrepented word and deed! 

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

Sorry now or sorry later.

I promise you - 

you will be sorry!

You have to walk in repentance daily to apply The Blood Of Jesus, that was shed for your sin! It is not automatic. Yes, it covers all of your sins, but it has to be applied when God exposes our sin; when convicted! 

Pray that your heart is not so hardened, that you no longer recognize you have sinned!

Jesus speaking not to the world, but to the church:  “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Without repentance there is no salvation!

“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

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/27/14

You Pray:

You pray:

“Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto Thee.”  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51:9-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You know:

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

But, does a dry, disappointed, uninvested spirit resemble a broken and contrite one? No.

When a known or unknown sin separates you from God and your joy dries up and hope seems far away, you face several choices:

- step into unbelief

- continue sliding back into the world, your heart hardening by the minute 

- recognize your separation and seek restoration through repentance and throw yourself on God's mercy! 

Dry, hard places are the valleys (of the shadow of what seems like spiritual death) we traverse during the tests and trials of our walk with God. 

They often contain intersections or crossroads, if you will, that lead to distractions, dead ends, waywardness, or a deeper relationship. All the while the enemy is insistently whispering his suggestions of which turn you should take; right, left, straight ahead, turn around!

Picking-up hitchhikers, like Hopelessness, Doubt, Bitterness, and Rebellion as they stand on their appointed corners selling their propaganda, is hard to resist; their cries for attention mirroring our heart! 

Will we stand fast? 

Will we fail our test? 

Will we persevere? 

Will we give-up in defeat?

The choice is ours.

However, know this! 

The enemy is a liar! 

Pictures of despair never ending, darkness with not even a glint of light in the distance, pain real or imagined almost incapacitating, all designed to wreak havoc in our minds, all lies!

The "father of lies" will say "there is no hope", "you were better off before", "you've gone too far", "there's no turning back" and that is the biggest lie of all! 

Never miss the opportunity, never put off the chance to repent and turn back to God! 

He's standing there, arms stretched wide in welcoming acceptance of our willingness to humble ourselves and reverse our course set to destruction!

He knows it's hard and He knows what it takes. You keep your focus on Him! He'll never leave you or forsake you; no matter how it feels!

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”  Isaiah‬ ‭55:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/19/14

Therefore All Things

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew‬ ‭7:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We would best recognize this verse as "The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!" And we think about it as - doing nice things for others in hopes they will do nice things for us! And the majority of the time it works; we respond in kind; like begets like.

“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. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  Galatians‬ ‭6:7-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most people associate sowing and reaping with financial gain! A truth that the devil has perverted: "you can't out-give God"! 

However, the majority do not realize that the law of reciprocity works in every spiritual circumstance; not just money!

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” Matthew‬ ‭7:1-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Judging begets judging and mercy begets mercy!

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭16:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When you judge someone for something hurtful they have done to you or someone you love, you are actually binding that act to you! When you forgive someone for a hurtful act, you loose that act from yourself! You are no longer tied to that event. Repenting of judging a person who wronged you is the only way to loosen that which has you bound! 

Those who are critical or judgmental are captured! They need mercy as much as they need to extend mercy! 

My prayer today: Father I choose today to be merciful, as you are merciful! I know I need mercy and I purpose in my heart to walk in love and forgiveness! Father I repent of the critical/judgmental spirit that has operated in my heart and I refuse to listen to his lies any longer! I choose to extend mercy and grace and desire to love my neighbor as You have commanded; just as I love You! Amen.

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

Even so - MARANATHA!

From: 5/29/14

But God

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:27-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It's not the man; it's not the church; it's not the book; it's not the movie, its Jesus!

"no flesh should glory in His presence"

Who is being exalted?

Most of the men and women of God have no name. You've not heard of them. They have no mansions. They trust God to meet their needs. 

“and things which are despised, hath God chosen”

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.” Matthew‬ ‭22:2-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The wedding feast is at hand and the hall is being filled with those found in the highways; the discarded, the dirty, the broken! 

"no flesh should glory in His presence"

When you are the chief of sinners, and God reaches down, pulls you up out of the gutter, and cleans you up, then He and He alone gets the glory! 

It wasn't a designated class, a self-help book, a group following a tried and true remedy, a special diet, a fad or fast, it was God and only God! The only thing we bring is submission of our will to His! It's about obedience to His Word! It's coming to the end of ourselves, having tried everything the world had to offer, failing, and then surrendering! I remember the day I said, "okay God I've messed up, such as it is, whatever is left of this misspent life, it's Yours!" 

Total Surrender, there's no other way! Anything less is you; not Him!

If you do it, then you retain the glory! If the book did it, the diet, the doctor, the class, then that's what we brag on; we recommend; to which we give the glory!

When we surrender and submit, and without even asking we are changed/healed - He and He alone gets the glory! 

Yesterday, a young woman gave her testimony of what God has done in her life/marriage since she surrendered. After service, a younger woman came up to me and said, "I too want to surrender!"

My response? "Glory to God!"

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Giving God ALL the glory!!!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/4/16

Trust In

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

I don't know how many times a day, I quote these two verses. 

It's so easy, when all of our plans fail, to become discouraged; so easy throw up our hands and quit. So easy to stop short just before success. It's so easy to see how futile our efforts, when we've exhausted all avenues and every door has been shut in our face.

At the end of our rope; a very good place to be, in fact just where God wants us! 

Isn't it sad, "when all else fails", we try God? Why is He the last ditch effort for us? Why is it considered a weakness to consult Him before making a decision? I actually had one man say to me, "God is too busy for my little needs!" 

When you are in a relationship with someone you are familiar with the details in their life. The more you "know" the closer you are! If they are on your "speed dial" or "favorites", then they are the first you turn to, in any situation! 

That's where God wants to be; where He should be for everyone who is called by His Name. 

First; without fail!

That only happens when there is TRUST!

Can you "trust" God?

Do you have "history" where you can encourage yourself, when the devil says, "where is your God now?"

Most associate getting what you "want" or "your own way" (in a situation) as being able to trust in God; however we don't see the big picture, but God does. And like a good Father, He doesn't give us what we want, but what's best for us. Most times it takes hindsight for us to appreciate His intervention when we are on the wrong road.

Often times the worse thing that happens to us, is actually the best thing that could happen; when put in God's hands!

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

When we get to the place where we surrender our messed up life to The Creator of The Universe, then He does what He does best; He creates beauty! Hope is His result! Peace His byproduct! It's hard to imagine what chaos and catastrophe will look like (when you are sitting in that darkness), but when He shines His light, it changes everything. He and only He can set things right!

So have you gotten to that point of surrender?  

Are you ready to throw up your hands?

Then what are you waiting for?

Cry out to God, with all of your heart; holding nothing back, and tell Him, "I give up!"

*Pray: “LORD, I confess that I have been blinded by my rebellion and received lies from the enemy. I have felt secure in my sins, but the covers have been jerked off of me and I sit here naked and transparent before You. I repent and turn from my sins and plead for Your mercy and grace. LORD be my first love. Soften my cold, hard heart. Please give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart that wants only to please You. I confess I have been pleasing myself and have only given You token amounts of obedience. LORD wash me, cleanse me, change me, so that I will walk in Your kind of love. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, message me and we'll send you some CDs at no cost, that will help you grow in The LORD. We'll even pay the postage.

You are welcome! ❤️

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/19/17

* Prayer from:

"The Unpardonable Sin"

He Answered And

“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” Mark‬ ‭7:6-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” John‬ ‭14:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most denominations have gotten away from teaching the Word of God, and most people do not know that, because they, themselves, do not know the Word of God! 

I was speaking with a friend the other day and she was extolling a big name preacher; asking me if I ever listened to him! She listens to many preachers on the radio and I recognized their names because I too, used to "follow" them. I too, would go to their meetings and buy their books! 

I asked her if that preacher ever made her cry. She admitted, he did not. He made her feel good! I asked her if any of the others made her cry, and she could only give one name. 

Think about it. When was the last time you felt convicted of sin by a sermon? When was the last time you were called to repentance, by a preacher? When was the last time you wept before The LORD in remorse?

Motivational sermons are the norm today! Designed to improve your life and your walk; make you feel good about yourself! They pump you up and encourage you and strengthen you, so you can do more; be a better you!

NEWS FLASH:

It's not about you!

It's all about Him; Jesus!

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we are to put to death the "old man" and to "put on Jesus", shouldn't we "do" what He commands? Love, forgive, not judge, turn the other cheek; just to name a few! Raising Him should be more important than raising ourselves! 

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

2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we are strong we do not need Him! When we are weak He is our strength! He is to be elevated! We are to die and He is to live in and through us! We are to be His mouth, His hands, His feet! We are to be Holy as He is Holy! Holiness only comes through submission and obedience! 

Your preacher, nor the TV preacher will be standing with you at the Judgement Seat of Christ! You will stand alone and give an account for every idle word you have spoken! If you have not repented for the unforgiveness, judgments and bitterness you have hid in your heart, you will not see God! 

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

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Examine your heart!

Repent while there is still time!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” ‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Obey!

Repent!

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 1/24/15

A Good Man

“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 I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew‬ ‭12:36-37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The words we speak are the words we hear in our head - just before they leave our tongues! So who we listen to, is of great importance. Do we listen to the "Still Small Voice" or the "accuser of the brethren"?  It's obvious to others who we hear! It's obvious to others who we follow! But deceived people do not know they are deceived. Knowing we will "give an account" for even "idle words" should make us all pause before we speak!

The "accuser of the brethren" never stops accusing. He has always been and will be until he is cast down. 

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

He accused Jesus and Jesus gave us our example on how to respond! 

"And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.”  Luke‬ ‭23:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Arguing scripture is what the accuser does best. He knows it and twists it because he has done it since the beginning, in the garden. 

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew‬ ‭5:10-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Persecution can be subtle or violent. It can be verbal or physical. It can come from strangers or brothers. Any way it comes, we are encouraged by Jesus to rejoice. They did it to Him and they will do it to us, as long as we are in the world. But He has overcome and we will too, if we are obedient to His Word! Acting like the world, is not obeyIng His Word. 

Right now the world is watching us; more than ever before. We must be vigilant! We must not get sucked into quarrels, arguments or discussions that draw us away from our purpose, i.e. Being Jesus to a lost and dying world! How are we suppose to behave? 

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians‬ ‭5:19-25‬ ‭KJV

Notice the words "hatred" and "dissensions" as opposed to "kindness" and "love"!  The world doesn't see much kindness and love but hatred is in abundance! "Long suffering", "gentleness", "self-control" attributes of a close walk with The LORD, because those were His attributes!  And our words reflect these attributes if we do indeed walk in the Spirit.

May I encourage all believers, especially, during this time of turmoil in our country, to watch our words, walk in love, walk in forgiveness, and walk in repentance when we fail! 

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 11/10/16

In My Younger

In my younger years, during the lean times, I learned the difference between "need" and "want." Now, from a spiritual side, I have a different understanding of them. And once again, it comes down to the heart.

While listening to a popular song, on the way to church yesterday, I heard the 23rd Psalm recited. It was a newer translation, and it gave me pause.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.”‭‭ Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭

That "sounds" soooo good, BUT!

I looked it up and found multiple translations say the same. (GNB‬‬, NLT, NCV)

Then another says:

“The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need.”  Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭GW‬‬

Most people would not have an issue with either -

BUT

So, I looked up the definitions.

need:

verb

1. 1. 

   require (something) because it is essential or very important.

   "I need help now"

   synonyms:

   require, be in need of, have need of, want;  be crying out for, be desperate for;  demand, call for, necessitate, entail, involve;  lack, be without, be short of "do you need money?"
2. 2. 

   expressing necessity or obligation.

   "need I say more?"

   synonyms:

   have to, be obliged to, be compelled to "you needn't come"

noun

1. 1. 

   circumstances in which something is necessary, or that require some course of action; necessity.

   "the basic human need for food"

   synonyms:

   necessity, obligation, requirement, call, demand "there's no need to apologize"

2. 2. 

   a thing that is wanted or required.

   "his day-to-day needs"

   synonyms:

   requirement, essential, necessity, want, requisite, prerequisite, demand, desideratum "basic human needs"

As s child I had memorized the King James which says:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalms‬ ‭23:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So I looked up -

want

verb

1. 1. 

   have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for.

   "I want an apple"

   synonyms:

   desire, wish for, hope for, aspire to, fancy, care for, like;  long for, yearn for, crave, hanker after, hunger for, thirst for, cry out for, covet;  need; informalhave a yen for, have a jones for, be dying for "do you want more coffee?"
2. 2. 

   archaic

   lack or be short of something desirable or essential.

   "you shall want for nothing while you are with me"

noun

1. 1. 

   archaic

   a lack or deficiency of something.

   "Victorian houses which are in want of repair"

   synonyms:

   lack, absence, nonexistence, unavailability; More
2. 2. 

   a desire for something.

   "the expression of our wants and desires"

   synonyms:

   wish, desire, demand, longing, yearning, fancy, craving, hankering; need, requirement;  informalyen "all her wants would be taken care of"

Do you see the difference?

As I said, it's about the heart. 

There is a huge difference in God giving you what you need, and Him being the fulfillment of your every want. 

When watching my pennies, I got what I "needed", but I still had "wants."  I would often dream about a day when I could buy what I "wanted!"

In the KJV - David is saying "every want is met; God had met his every desire; he was satisfied in Him!

It starts out as denying the flesh and then becomes the realization, He is MORE than enough; nothing else compares. It's the difference between fleeting happiness and joy unspeakable!

It's discovering a greater wealth - that money can't buy.

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms‬ ‭37:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Especially when He is the desire of your heart!

My prayer: Father, forgive me for the times when You were not enough.  I repent of the desires of the flesh and thank You for Your mercy and Your grace. Amen.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/18/17

Verily, Verily

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” ‭‭John‬ ‭12:24-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Are you dying to "self", daily?

We can not love anything in this world, even our very life, more than we love God; not our spouse, not our children!  If we are satisfied with our life, here and now, we will not long for eternal life. However, once we taste the eternal, nothing else will satisfy!

What does "dying to self" look like? 

Submission; not insisting on your own way; esteeming others above you; being a servant; being like Jesus!

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John‬ ‭12:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Not for gain; not to be exalted, but because it's the least you can do, because of what was done for you! It's what you were created for; called to do.

Who are you called to serve in your little world? And does that mean working your fingers to the bone, as the picture of the selfless martyrs who in their servitude, try and place guilt on all around those they love? No! 

No, it actually means doing everything you do as unto the Lord! You do your job for Jesus, no matter what your job is! It is He you are submitting to, when you submit to your husband, your employer, or others in authority. It is trusting God to have your back, so that you do not have to care if you are being wronged. In fact, it is better to be wronged than to insist on being right. 

“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 ‭2:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Don't look at the stuff that is going on around you! Don't look at who has done what! Don't look at the trial you are walking through! Keep your eyes on Jesus, focusing on what the fire is perfecting in your life! 

Repent for the pride and bitterness that you are holding onto; humble yourself!

You submit to Him of whom you are to be a reflection! Be JESUS!

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 9/23/14

Suppose Ye

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

This is Jesus speaking!

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:52-53‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't wait, for time IS running out!

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

Repent before it's too late!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/17/14

I Was Thinking

I was thinking about pain the other night. 

I remember being in excruciating pain, a couple of years ago, when they removed the pins from my not-so-healed broken wrist! I can remember biting my other hand to keep from screaming in the office. I remember thinking everyone lied to me, who said it wouldn't hurt! 

But, in remembering the incident, I don't still feel the pain. I do not hurt now. My wrist is completely healed and I have complete mobility after therapy! As a hairdresser that works several 13 hour days, a week, I'm grateful for God's provision: an excellent surgeon, a skilled therapist, a faithful and attentive husband and our body's God given ability to mend! 

In my experience, the only wounds that still hurt are the ones that have never healed, or have not healed properly!

I'm sure if the surgeon had not put the pins in my two end bones and my hand, to place my hand in traction, my hand would have been crippled. I'm sure if my therapist had not pushed me, I would have lost most of the use of my right hand, thus ending my career!

There are other pains; from wounds or breaks in our spirit that if left untreated, that cripple us too! Hurts from people we loved and trusted; people we hardly knew or even total strangers! Some acts so heinous one can barely acknowledge. Others  from generational curses and sins, perpetrated by other cripples unable to deal with what was inflicted upon them! Pains so tender to the touch, just a smell of association will cause an increase in blood pressure. These emotional pains, I believe, are the hardest to heal, for we bury them so deep in our heart. We seal the coffin with unforgiveness, and erect a headstone with the word curse "I'll Never Be Hurt Again!" We visit that grave often and dress it up with flowers and balloons! With all of the attention, we never lay it to rest! It's not allowed to heal!

Forgiveness is not about your relationship with the person that hurt you; it's about your relationship with God; your obedience to Him! You don't do it with the attitude of getting free from the pain (although you will)-

You forgive because He commands you to, and because you love God and you want to please Him!

People tell me all of the time, "Oh, I've forgiven, but I'll never forget!" 

I know for a fact when it's truly forgiven we do indeed overtime forget! 

I liken it to reading a book! We get absorbed in the story (actually in our mind, becoming a character or putting ourself in the hero/heroin's place) but when we complete the book and close the covers, it's over we move on to the next one! 

The evil I endured in my past, now forgiven and forgotten happened to someone else. I am no longer that character in that story! There is a new story being written about my life now, and the Author's ending is greater than for which I ever hoped! You see, in this new story I'm obedient instead of rebellious! I'm blessed instead of cursed! My eyes are fixed on the Author and Finisher instead of myself! I listen for His still small voice and hang on His every Word! Everyday I'm looking less and less like the world as He ordains my every step! He is my Beloved and I am His!

Does your story need a new Author? Hand over the pen, to The One Who wrote the greatest story ever told! 

Repent of the sin of unforgiveness. Repent of the control you have exercised over your life (rebellion and unbelief!) Surrender completely and forgive everyone who ever hurt you and repent of whom you have hurt! Give up and let go! Release once and for all; debt paid in full!

Now when the test comes by the enemy (and it will) pass your test! When the devil says remember . . . you say, "NO! I gave that to God!" He threw that sin in the sea of His forgetfullness and if He doesn't remember, neither will I! 

He is God, and I am not!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/6/16