The Words

“The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have always loved to read. And I've always loved to learn. But I've never been much for school, though I know many who excel at education; some who never seem to get enough. 

I very seldom, now, read anything except for my Bible. I am leery of anything written today, because I know we are in the last days. And I am very careful about what I "take in" because God's Word admonishes me to guard my heart! And just because a  book, or study guide is written by a big name ministry, does not mean it’s right. In fact if the majority loves them, you can bet they’ve compromised The Truth.

“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

“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. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you do not read your Bible, you will not know what is the Truth. Anyone can tell you something, saying, "this is "truth", this is "good"", but if it is not substantiated by God's Word, it's not "Truth!" The "truth" the world teaches is subjective; his truth, my truth, your truth, and THAT is a lie. There is only one Truth! 

You cannot believe differently and call yourself a Christian!

If you have a higher education then you will have to give up, the humanism you have been taught, and give control back to God! For our education system is actually a religion in itself, and cannot "co-exist" with God! Education says it can, but God says He won't!  You see there is only one God and man is not Him! The Creator of The Universe has the last word in EVERYTHING or He is not your God!

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you think there was another way everything came about; I submit to you, you are not a Christian!

If God's Word is not the final authority in your life, then you are deceived. 

If He is not your Principle Purpose, then you are lost!

If you are searching for The Truth, He will be found! You who go to church, and are seeking, pick up your Bible and begin reading. Let God prove Himself to you! He will!!!!

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

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Time is running out for all of us and whether you believe it or not, we all will face The Judgement. We all will give an account. No one is exempt. 

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

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭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

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I challenge you to watch for the word “Repent” in the sermons you hear. If the ministry you follow is not preaching repentance of sin, you need to flee! 

Repent while there is still time!

Joyce Green said, "I was lost, when I thought I was saved!"  

Me too!

“Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 2/2/16

May The Lamb

"May the lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!"

What is His reward?

You.

Me.

Why was His sacrifice so important? What was at stake?

Our eternal salvation.

Praise God He did not take lightly our state!

We plan big get togethers this weekend; cook big meals; buy new clothes; hide eggs for the kids and overload everyone with sugary treats. For what?

To celebrate His death and resurrection?

What does that mean to you?

If we fully comprehended what was done on our behalf that day, I'm sure baskets with plastic grass would not be seen. 

“For great is Thy mercy toward me: and Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.” Psalms‬ ‭86:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

All of the programs depicting His sacrifice may move us momentarily; would that we would see past the pageantry and drama and truly grasp what was accomplished!

Upon acceptance of His selfless act, and obedience to His Word we will not see eternal death and torment. He took our punishment for us; what we deserved and what He didn't! 

We are His reward. 

And we don't give it a second thought; it's our due!

Paris Redhead's "Ten Shekels And A Shirt",  impacted my perception of this "holiday."

Paris was complaining to God about an ungrateful people that loved their sin and didn't want to be saved, God asked him, "Do not I deserve the reward of My suffering?"

God said, "I did it, because I love them!"

He died for us, because He loves us.

We don't deserve His love.

Would that we would love Him!

Paris was given this realization and offered the following prayer at the end of his sermon. 

"Lord Jesus I'm going to obey You, and love You, and serve You and do what You want me to do, as long as I live, even if I go to hell at the end of the road, simply because You are worthy to be loved, obeyed and served and I'm not trying to make a deal with You!"

May we also comprehend with Whom we are dealing!

Father, thank You for giving Your Son, to pay my debt. I repent of all of the times I took for granted the immeasurable cost! Forgive me LORD for all of the times I thought less of You, and more highly of myself than I should. Forgive me LORD for not thinking of You! Please LORD, open my eyes, open my ears and give me a heart to perceive the great miracles You have performed. Change me so that I may walk worthy of Your Son's willing sacrifice. in Jesus' Holy and Precious Name - I humbly pray.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 4/14/17

Blessed Be God

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The God of all comfort!

Sometimes we receive comfort from Him and don't recognize it until after the fact; for comfort comes in many guises. 

-  A gift from on a friend for no reason! 

-  A word of encouragement out of the blue!

-  A great number of "likes" for a prayer request. 

-  A sweet hugggg at just the right time! 

    Each precious in their own right, but collectively, in retrospect, God's hand very apparent; for He knows what and when we need!

We become so wrapped up in our circumstances and situations that we lose our focus. Purposing to keep our eyes on Jesus not only assures us of His peace, but also enables us to appreciate the smallest act for our good. 

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oftentimes, we are prompted to do or say a kind word or deed. Sometimes the devil will talk us out of it. We must always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, for we never know the impact the smallest act will have on the recipient. 

This morning I am so very thankful for all of the prayers, encouragement and comfort given to me, this last week, by an "on time" Heavenly Father and for my brothers' and sisters' hands and mouths He used here on earth, in bringing it to pass. 

Please recognize in your heart the spiritual huggggggg you gave and please receive the blessing back a hundredfold!

Do you need comfort?

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

All things!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/12/17

God Takes

“God takes the most eminent and choicest of His servants for the choicest and most eminent afflictions. They who have received most grace from God are able to bear most afflictions from God. Affliction does not hit the saint by chance, but by direction. God does not draw His bow at a venture. Every one of His arrows goes upon a special errand and touches no breast but his against whom it is sent. It is not only the grace, but the glory of a believer when we can stand and take affliction quietly”  ― Puritan Joseph Caryl

“Eminent” is a word we don’t often use.

em·i·nent

ˈemənənt/

adjective

1. (of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession.

   "one of the world's most eminent statisticians"

   synonyms:

   illustrious, distinguished, renowned, esteemed, preeminent, notable, noteworthy, great, prestigious, important, influential, affluential, outstanding, noted, of note; More

   • used to emphasize the presence of a positive quality.

     "the guitar's eminent suitability for recording studio work"

     synonyms:

     obvious, clear, conspicuous, marked, singular, signal; More

Considering we (generally) try and escape our afflictions, the concept of afflictions being from and used for our good, by God, is pretty foreign, yet the scriptures back it up!

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭33:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

af·flic·tion

əˈflikSH(ə)n/

noun

1. something that causes pain or suffering.

   "a crippling affliction of the nervous system"

   synonyms:

   disorder, disease, malady, complaint, ailment, illness, indisposition, handicap;More

   • pain or suffering.

     "poor people in great affliction"

     synonyms:

     suffering, distress, pain, trouble, misery, wretchedness, hardship, misfortune, adversity, sorrow, torment, tribulation, woe "he bore his affliction with great dignity"

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How He delivers is up to a Him. Removing it completely is one way; giving peace in the midst, is another! Both can bring God glory. 

Jesus speaking:

“For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:19-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Father, as I continue my study on “affliction” please reveal Your Word! Open my eyes, open my ears and change my heart! Lord I repent for believing the lies of the enemy through the traditions of men, and Father let the words of my mouth only bring You glory as I walk out what You have set before me!

Even so - MARANATHA 

Reading About Hezekiah

Reading about Hezekiah:

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses.”‭ 2 Kings‬ ‭18:3-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In re-reading these verses this morning, what jumped off the page was: "He trusted in the Lord God".

I don't know how many times a day I try to encourage people to trust in The LORD; I feel like a broken record!

Dissecting the above scriptures we see:

1. He did what was right 

2. He tore down the high places

3. He trusted in The LORD

4. He kept His Commandments

and the result is verse 7:

“And the Lord was with him; and He prospered whithersoever he went forth.” 2 Kings‬ ‭18:7‬a KJV‬‬

But we just want 7 without 3-6!

Not trusting God comes from unbelief; the most acceptable sin in the church today. We all think we "do right", but because we don't read His Word, we don't know what He considers "wrong!" Our idols are numerous; we live in our "high places"; and we "follow" whomever we "like!"

Then when the trials and storms come to "test our faith", we flounder! 

I was talking with a lady yesterday, about how hard this life is; and how it is supposed to be "hard"; for the harder life is, the closer we walk with God! 

When people win the lottery they don't say, "I think I will turn to God", but when the bottom falls out, is when we turn to Him!

When we daily walk close to Him, reading His Word, following His Commandments; our faith is built and we KNOW Whom we can trust! We KNOW He will never leave us or forsake us; it's automatic; reflex action; no doubt, because our eyes are fixed on Him. However when we only look at the circumstances, there is no hope!

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We must have The WORD in us for us to be encouraged by it; an engine only runs when filled with fuel! 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalms‬ ‭119:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When your life is over; will you be described as one who "did right" and "followed" The LORD? Or will you be described as Ahaz?  “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord,” 2 Kings‬ ‭17:2‬a ‭KJV‬‬

It's not too late!

Repent while there is still time!

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”  Revelation‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My prayer: Father God, I ask Your forgiveness for all of the times I failed to put You first in my life! My desire is for You to be my "principal purpose" for the rest of my days! You and you alone do I seek to please! Thank You LORD for walking before me, so that I may follow You!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/26/17

Whom Have I

“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” Psalms‬ ‭73:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Have you gotten to that point? 

I remember looking at every option the world offered and trying every alternative, only to find nothing satisfied; nothing proved true. I was burdened with a hopelessness no drug could cure. At the end of my rope; a friend showed me the way through forgiveness and repentance. I humbled myself and confessed and repented of the sin that had weighed me down. By emptying myself, I made room for Him. 

Why had I searched everywhere else? It was my unbelief. I had listened to the lies of the enemy, portraying God as unable to do what He promised. I had seen no evidence, in the churches I had visited, of a power I had read about. All I saw were more lost people - just like me. I lived in fear and worry. I sought to control  every facet of my life because everything was out of control. I doubted, yet searched for something I could put my faith in; something that would prove to be true. I longed for "real", yet all I found were empty promises. 

Then I met The Creator of the universe. He revealed Himself to me. When I recognized my sin I was made painfully aware, I needed a Savior! As I confessed and repented of my sins of unforgiveness and judgments; of doubt and unbelief, and made Him LORD,  His promises of freedom manifested.  Light shown in the darkness and all heaviness left! I am no longer that person who had no place to go. He is my refuge; He is my Redeemer; He is my God and I have His peace.

I say all of this to tell you, there is hope in Jesus Christ. The key is obedience to His Word. If you have reached the end of your rope, I can give you a hand up! PM me and I'll mail you the same CDs (free of charge) that helped put me on the road to freedom. 

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.”  Psalms‬ ‭73:26-28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 9/22/17

This I Say

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

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-21‬ ‭KJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Genesis 50:20)

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

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

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

Repent while there is still time!

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

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 11/6/17

And The Lord God

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”  Genesis‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God showed me this morning that He's still making much out of "dirt"; gives a whole new meaning to "rich soil"!  It seems the dirtier the dirt; the more fertile; able to be used for more plantings!

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.” Luke‬ ‭7:47-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It seems when God reaches down and pulls you out of the gutter, you have little to no pride left! You know where you came from, and are so grateful to Him for forgiving your sins, and breathing life in to your "dead" body, you just want to spend the remainder of your existence glorifying Him! 

Not so with people that don't have the "bar-room" sins; the "churchy" people who look like the have it all together! I've had several people admit to me that "because of pride", they "just couldn't confess their sins!” They are more concerned with "what people will think", than what God thinks!

Do you imagine that people with pride will be in heaven, when God threw Lucifer out of heaven because of his pride?

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew‬ ‭23:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

If God is backing you into a corner, to bring you to Him, stop resisting! The "end of your rope" is not a fun place to be and that's exactly where He will let you go, in His pursuit of you!!!  Look where He (your "Loving God") let His Son go to - on your behalf; The Cross!!!

He loves you so much, that He will humble you so that you don't miss out on Eternity!   

As my parents use to tell me, "you can come the hard way or the easy way, but you will come!" 

Humble yourself!

Repent!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/2/14

THE UNKNOWN GOD

THE UNKNOWN GOD. 

“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Yes God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspringof God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts‬ ‭17:23-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul could have been preaching to most Christians today, for most who worship Him - do not know Him. 

Oh, they’ve heard of Him and they know of Him, but most do not have a relationship with Him. How can I say that, because most people I know who go to church do not daily read their Bible and many have never read it all of the way through. The way you get to KNOW Him is by reading His Word. The reason I know this is, I also was one who went to church, but did not have a relationship with Him; for the majority of my life!

“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” Many in church today do not believe Him to be The Creator. Many have succumbed to the lie of evolution, because of “higher education!” “For we are also his offspring!” They doubt not the secular theories taught throughout their schooling, but doubt The Word Of God! Science prevails in most cases to those who just “go to church!” Those who “are the church” know The Truth!

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being;” yet many have never surrendered to His authority; determined to do it their way; rebellious in their daily lives!

“For we are also his offspring” made in His image, we are all the same; “hath made of one blood all nations of men” no differences; it doesn’t matter the skin color - cut we all bleed red! 

Made in His image “we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.” Though many still worship images made by men’s hands most just worship what they build themselves! Most of our idols are our careers, education, sports, or family.  One of my favorite quotes is by Joyce Green: “You will find your idol at the center of your storm!” (My paraphrase) 

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at;” God has been patient for so long but as we can see by the current events, He’s stepping up the crises around the world; in everyone’s lives! I know no family that is not affected by disease or tragedy! These storms in our lives have purpose; either to turn you away from God or to turn you to Him! What the enemy means for evil, God means for good! (Genesis 50:20) You will try to solve your problems the “worldly” way until you have exhausted all means THEN you will cry out to God! Will you seek Him or just a solution to your problem? He IS the solution to every problem!

He wants more than a bit of your time on Sundays! He wants more than just a passing interest! He wants all of you; at all times, not just when all other means fail! He wants more than just a song!

“Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.”

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent”

Again, it all comes down to repentance! I’ve heard it called The “R” Word!! 

The word that changes lives!

The word the devil doesn’t want in your vocabulary! He’s done his best to eradicate it; casting doubt and twisting the Word Of God, so that it is hardly if ever mentioned in most ministries/denominations! 

Start listening; see if you hear it in the sermons or messages you hear! I guarantee you won’t because it’s a hard message and hard messages people do not want to hear. They want to feel good! Repentance of sins hurts, for our flesh does not like pain. 

Yet, to be free of pain, repentance of sins is vital! It removes the hold the enemy has in our lives! Sin gives the devil the right to torment us! Remove the hidden sins and he must leave! Hidden sins being: unforgiveness, judgments, bitterness, resentments, anger, hatred, pride, jealousy, unbelief, and the like.

Walking in repentance is freedom and feels wonderful! It brings peace; something I had only read about, but never knew! I now have peace and I guard it! If I do sin - I am painfully aware of its absence and I go to God to show me what I’ve done and repent to get it back! It is precious to me!

The time for repentance has come, for our time is running out! You can no longer say, you haven’t been told!

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

Repent while you still can! 

Even so - MARANATHA 

If you would like to know more about repentance and the need to repent, pm me! We have free CDs and will even pay the postage!

For Thou Desirest

“For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Have you ever been broken? 

Are you broken now?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The world and the church believe that God wants us to be strong. “God helps those who help themselves.” That is a lie! 

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

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

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

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

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

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

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

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

Repent of trying to be God!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/12/14

Are Not Two

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” Matthew‬ ‭10:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

•  Do we really believe that?

•  Do we even begin to give God the credit He deserves for being God?

•  Do we truly realize there is NO one above Him; that He is the final Word in all situations and His WILL rules all?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” ‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

We don't give thanks, we complain! 

We pray to be relieved of the trial He has given us - to mold us into the image of His Son!  

We have bought the lie that "nature" is powerful and is random in "her" acts! This is the answer (unbelievers of a Sovereign Creator came up with) to the question, "Why God?"  And THAT is exactly what we should be asking, because everything that occurs in our life has a purpose in His great design! 

We can ask (it's alright) and we can know His intentions, and the answers are in His Word! He wants us to know Him! He wants a relationship with us. However, we must come to Him knowing who we are not! For without Him we are nothing!

He and He alone is in control. The only control we have is bending our will to His, and in opposition to Him, we will lose every time! His will WILL be done!

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Looking back on all of the horrible things I went through in my 60 years; all of my struggles; all of my pain; all of my heartaches; I now see the hand of God molding me and making me to be a vessel that can, now, be used by Him!  Before, I was rebellious; too full of myself and He had to empty me, for there to be room for Him!

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I was telling a friend yesterday that diamonds are made in the dark under great pressure! That piece of coal does not scream and complain under the compression! We, also, are being made into a precious jewel, if we give up and let The Master not only form, but facet us to reflect His light!

We want to be the jewel but we want it on our own terms, without the pain! That's not how it works! Give up control!

How?  Obey His Word!

You cannot call the shots and be obedient to Him! Servants do what their Master dictates! His Commandments are not mere suggestions of which you have choices. 

When you follow Jesus, you die to self. You give up your right to be right. You willingly become a slave to Him! You change masters, for you have all along been an unwilling slave to sin. You who are captured; Jesus came to set you free!

If you are following The LORD Jesus Christ and are in the middle of a storm, ask Him, "Okay, LORD, why? Show me where I'm missing it! Reveal to me, and where there is a need to repent, I will bend my will - to Your will! Thank You LORD for this trial, may it bring You glory!"

Remember: "Nothing! Nothing! Nothing happens to us that is not filtered through the fingers of a loving Father!" KC

Is He trying to get your attention?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/13/15

Grace And Peace

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Here, Peter is speaking to other believers, not the world. 

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:5-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He's encouraging them to be diligent and "add" fruit to their faith! Growing good fruit takes work. That means reading The Word and being obedient to its commandments.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He says if you are diligent to "do" you will not stumble in your walk. So that tells me you can stumble if you "don't!"  

The funny thing about stumbling or backsliding is that you really don't know you've done it. All it takes is a little sin, that you allow to stay; of which you don't repent. (Like not forgiving when wronged.) You see the devil is real quick to tell you, "oh that's not too bad, so-n-so does worse!" By the time, you are aware you have backslidden, the sin is full blown! 

How do you know if you have unrepented sin, in your heart?

Read your Bible! God will tell you!

Peter in the second chapter, warns believers of some things that still plagues us today!

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬

So many are caught up today in false teachers/teaching. The only way to guard your heart is to read The Word yourself. To get it, not only in your head, but also your heart. Only then will you recognize deception when you hear it, for the Holy Spirit will give you discernment. You will know, "THAT'S not quite right!" And if it's even a little off, it's a lie! The enemy is a liar and he has always twisted God's Word. Your only hope is to KNOW God's Word!

Example: we all know - 

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But the next verse:

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And there's: 

“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

And yet:

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Remember all of these scriptures are being written to believers!

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

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Praise God for His abundant mercy and great grace, towards us! 

We must come to repentance! If we say we have no sin, we have not come there yet! Not repenting causes a hard heart.

Ask God to reveal the sin hiding in your heart. He will!

And if you want fruit -

Walk in love

Walk in forgiveness

Walk in repentance!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/15/16

Wherefore Seeing

“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

Every time I’ve read this scripture I focused on “laying aside every weight” or “besetting sin” or “running the race.” Today I want to look at the “witnesses.”

I’ve always imagined them being the dead in Christ cheering us on in our walk with The Lord. Or I should say that is the picture someone had painted for me.

We know we are to give witness for the gospel. But when rejected (by the hearer) our words becomes a “witness” against them.

When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ our witness (words) will show God faithful. For everyone will have heard The Truth. No one will be able to say “I never heard.” 

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:10‬b ‭KJV‬‬

“Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.” Micah‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He is faithful to give many more chances than we deserve, but one day the chances will run out! 

Our testimony of salvation becomes a testimony against the hearers that reject our witness!

“And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.” Matthew‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus even talks about those that come before Him but are disobedient to His Words; who have refused to walk the narrow way; who even though they said some words at an altar never lived for Him, but continued walking just like the world.

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

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I (or another Messenger) have told you The Truth and you have chosen not to listen; or discounted the validity because that is not what you think is “truth” you are actually refusing Him, not me (or them) because we are sent by Him!

Fact: if the message is easy then it’s not Truth! Jesus’ walk was not easy and we are to walk in His steps! 

“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

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

“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A “testimony” against them when they stand before Jesus! The words which have declared Him God will be proof showing God’s faithfulness!

For those who argue against His Lordship; who say there is no God, creation itself is a testimony!

“It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalms‬ ‭89:37‬ ‭KJV

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is one thing about believing and another about obeying. Anyone can say they believe. The Word says even the demons believe and tremble.   (James 2:19) If we “TRULY” believed we would obey! 

If we “TRULY” were”Believers” we would have a change in our behavior and not live like the world. We would love His Commandments and follow them.  (John 14:15) And we would be the forgivingest people on the planet! 

“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

When we refuse to forgive - we are disobedient to His Word and our sins are not forgiven either! And the fact that you have read this, one day these words will stand as a testimony against you, for you have heard! 

When we have not forgiven it is called sin and must be repented of. Jesus speaking: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Again Jesus speaking:

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

And again:

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

Ask God to show you the sin hiding in your heart. He will remind you of people that have hurt you; names, faces, and/or scenarios that are still painful. These my friend are unforgiven because they still hurt; and as sin, you must repent for holding onto them for so long! You may have said the words “I forgive” maybe many times but unless you have repented for the sins of unforgiveness, judgment, bitterness, resentment, anger, hatred - it’s not a done deal! Obedience to The Word applies the Blood Of Jesus, The Perfect Sacrifice to wash away your sins! Once repentance is made those memories no longer hurt!

Again, if you read these words and do them - Forgiveness for your sin is given by The Father, however, if again you reject them - one day they will stand as a Testimony against you - for you have again heard The Truth! You will not be able to say, “Lord I did not know! My denomination didn’t teach that!!! No one told me!” 

For I just did!

“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

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA 

You Cannot Stay

You cannot stay the same!

“The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalms‬ ‭145:14-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Most come to The LORD from a fall. I found myself in a storm that I could not get out of on my own. I had fallen so low - I cried out to Him and He gave me His hand; He raised me up! 

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.” Psalms‬ ‭145:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You must humble yourself, or you will be humbled; for you cannot stand before The LORD! There can be only one King and The King of Kings will not share His throne! 

Today the apostate church is indistinguishable from the world. Most believe they can be a christian and remain unchanged; living their life like they always have! That is a lie from the enemy! 

To be a Follower of The LORD Jesus Christ, you MUST surrender your will; you must MAKE Him LORD! And when you love Him with your whole heart, you obey His commandments! What He says to do, you do! That's what servants do! You don't do what your flesh says to do! You submit to His authority! And when you fail, you repent!

When you live your days without ever a thought to what He wants you to do; that is wickedness! You can say you love Jesus, but if He is not first, then He is last! He must be in your every thought! You must love Him more! More than anything this world has to offer; husband, children, home, career, entertainment, money, power, etc. He has to be THE principal purpose of your life! He HAS to be first!

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

Give up! Make Him LORD! He will meet your every need and satisfy your every desire! He is The Provider! He is The Protector! He is all! He IS God! 

If He is not, then satan is your god! There is no middle ground. By not making Jesus your LORD, then by default you have chosen darkness.

You either choose The Kingdom of God or you choose the world! 

Jesus did not come to save you from the darkness of the world to leave you there! It's all or nothing and it's your choice! 

Repent while there is still time!

“My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/17/17

I, Even I

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

"for mine own sake!"

Getting it through our thick skulls that He provided the Way for us - for His sake is so difficult! 

“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Salvation through no other! 

And we have nothing we can boast in, but we can boast in Him!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

His grace! 

Some denominations talk about grace so much, and the enemy has perverted it to the extent, it has become known as "cheap grace", however there is nothing cheap about the price paid for us! 

We bring nothing to Him, except our will! Humbling ourself, in obedience to His Word; He works in us! The only value we have is His love for us; our corruption knows no bounds! It is His holiness; His righteousness; His glory, not ours! When He cleans us up, it's to His image, not ours! 

“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” Isaiah‬ ‭43:7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.” Isaiah‬ ‭43:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In "10 Shekels and A Shirt" Paris Reidhead, tells of God speaking to Him about this very subject! God said to him: "Do not I deserve the reward of My suffering?" 

We are His reward! He loves us, because He created us, not because of any value in ourselves! We spend our whole life seeking love, needing love, hoping for love, and are told by our humanistic society we deserve to be loved, however, we deserve nothing! 

No, we deserve hell!  

Also, in the same sermon, Paris Reidhead had a prayer that had a profound impact on me!

"Lord Jesus I'm going to obey You, and love You, and serve You and do what You want me to do, as long as I live, even if I go to hell at the end of the road, simply because You are worthy to be loved, obeyed and served and I'm not trying to make a deal with You!!!!"

In repentance, this prayer again is mine today, - as He's continuing His work in me, and I am so grateful! 

Why did He call me out?

"May the lamb that was slain receive the reward of his suffering"

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 2/16/16

You can google “10 Shekels And A Shirt” by Paris Reidhead to hear the amazing sermon. Time well spent.