I’ve Been Hearing

I’ve been hearing a lot about sheep recently! I’ve seen great flocks of sheep on my travels down under! Lamb was even served on the plane on the way back! Several sermons I listened to, referenced scriptures regarding The Good Shepherd!  Even last night my Pastor, Chet Murrell said something that stuck with me:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John‬ ‭10:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬) “They won’t follow after a stranger’s voice!” CM

It gave me cause to ponder why so many I know follow after preachers or leaders of big ministries that are so off in their teachings!

So I did a search on sheep and found this:

“My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.” Jeremiah‬ ‭50:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s hard being a sheep. The grass is always sweeter on the other side of the fence, however the fence is there for a reason; the sheep’s protection! 

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” ‭‭John‬ ‭10:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sheep are notoriously stupid! That’s why they need a shepherd. They will wander off, if given the chance, in search for what they desire! 

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

I love the story of how the Shepherd will sometimes have to break a lamb’s leg to keep it from wandering off into harms way. Then he has to carry it on his shoulders until the leg heals. Meanwhile, the lamb has laid on his shoulder, listening to his Shepherd’s heartbeat for so long,  he’s forever bonded to him. When the lamb can walk,  he stays under the Shepherd’s feet; He can hardly peal him off! 

That is how we are, when God has literally had to pull us out of the gutter where we were drowning in our sins. We cling fiercely to His robe and follow closely to His path!  And because of our bond if we should stray He calls us back, for we know His voice!

“How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?”  Matthew‬ ‭18:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So how does one discern The Master’s voice if one hasn’t had his leg broke? Can it even be done?

I believe it comes down to what you desire! If you are looking to just have an easier life; or if you go to church because that’s the way you were raised; or if you are just wanting to network, then you are more apt to follow anyone who says things that make you feel good!  That kind of “Shepherd” won’t break your leg! He’s more interested in keeping you and your checkbook than looking out for your eternal salvation. 

The one who tells you to “examine your heart” and calls sin “sin” is the one that is not a hireling! He will willing risk offending you, to keep you on the straight path, if he sees you wander off!

Following Jesus if difficult! It’s not supposed to be easy! He had it hard; He was rejected, He was beaten; He was crucified! He tells us - “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬b ‭KJV‬‬

It’s about our heart! What we want! 

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

When we are His - He is all we want! 

When we want the world; if that is our desire, we will fall for anything or anyone who promises it! We may get it here, but we will lose everything in the long run!

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able . . . 

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” Luke‬ ‭13:24, 26-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He must be your everything or He is nothing!

Even so - MARANATHA 

From 3/15/18

It’s Just A

"It's just a . . ."

How often do we believe that lie? 

It's just a movie. It's just a book. It's just a little bit of cake. It was just a little over the speed limit. It's just a little pill. It's just one drink. 

It's just a little sin. 

"Just" is an interesting word; of which there are several definitions; one being:

4. As an adverb:

"You use just to indicate that something is no more important, interesting, or difficult, for example, than you say it is, especially when you want to correct a wrong idea that someone may get or has already got.

[emphasis]

It's just a suggestion.

It's not just a financial matter.

You can tell just by looking at me that I am all right.

The reason women are drinking is just because they like it.

Synonyms: merely, but, only, simply 

"Just" only a little word; of no importance; merely four letters; I mean it's "just” a word! Right? 

The devil wants you to think that, but The Bible has a great deal to say about "words!"

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

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” Matthew‬ ‭24:35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” Proverbs‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Of course IF you think The Word Of God is "just a book", then my words will not mean much to you! 

That's another lie from the devil. He wants you to think that what you read has no impact on eternity; that now is all there is! He wants you to think, that watching a movie that has "just" a little witchcraft or "just" a little porn, will be okay. I mean, "God knows your heart!" Right?

(If you believe in God)

Here's a few more definitions of "just!"

"Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.

‘fighting for a just cause’

"(of treatment) deserved or appropriate in the circumstances.

‘we all get our just deserts'

"(of an opinion or appraisal) well founded; justifiable.

‘these simplistic approaches have been the subject of just criticism’"

So, with regards to our disregarding God's Commandments; a "just" God, would be "justifiable" in His sentence, and we should all get our "just desert!"

Praise God for His mercy and His grace! 

“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭12:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalms‬ ‭119:103‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs‬ ‭10:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.” Isaiah‬ ‭26:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Forgive us Father for not rightly considering our words or handling Your Words!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 3/6/17

Do You Know

Do you know how you "know" something, but you can't put your finger on it? 

It's a question that's been nagging you, and then all of a sudden you have a revelation of the answer!

Got it this morning!

We all have to come to the point that we understand that we are a wretch before we can surrender all! 

It was easy for me to "know" I was wretched. I have half jokingly said, in my Testimony, "the only thing I hadn't done was commit  murder or rob a bank"; I was that bad! It was easy for me to admit I had done nothing to deserve my salvation! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was a gift from God, because I truly deserved to burn in hell!

But what about the good church goer, who has always tried to do right? The prodigal's brother so to speak! 

We all sing: "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!" But is there a "knowing" in everyone's heart of his wretchedness? I don't think so. 

What does it take for one to come to the realization that he brings nothing to the table? 

The Bible states it many times;

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,” Titus‬ ‭3:5‬a ‭KJV‬‬

“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is huge difference in knowing you are wretched and believing the lies of the devil. He lies when he tells you "you didn't deserve what so n' so did to you", AND when he tells you "you are no good." He will puff you up when he whispers "well at lest you didn't do what "He" did!" And in the next breath tell you, "you deserve what you got!" We must remember he is a liar!

Wretchedness is totally different. It's coming to the end of yourself! And it levels the playing field. We realize none are good.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” Romans‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We the "wretched" understand that we are all clay and are content to be a lump; usable by the Master Potter. Until we get to that point we will be trying to tell Him how best to use us. We will only choose to be a "vessel of honor", whereas as a true lump we know we have no say and are content to just be molded by His hands.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:10-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Knowing you are a sinner is so important, for without that knowledge you won't know you need a Savior! But do we really understand that we were born into sin; all of us; every single one of us?

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And all of our life we are told to be good! And we try. 

There was actually a campaign by atheists: "Be good for goodness' sake!" The idea you don't need God to be good; in direct opposition to the teaching of Jesus.

“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Mark‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Being good is works based. Even the concept is wrong. It's something you really can't do by yourself, because our hearts are wrong.  For when you are good, you can pat yourself on the back and say, I was good! The key is self! Self cannot be elevated; only God may reside on the throne! There can be only One! And no matter how good we are we are not God! 

Another thing wretchedness is not - "the wilderness!" Although sometimes God will reveal our wretchedness while we are in the wilderness. Sometimes it takes being in a desert place to reveal the thirst we have to have! For it's the Living Water that saves us for eternity!

When you truly know you were born into wretchedness and that you need forgiveness to be saved from hell, it is easier to comprehend the following Scriptures.

“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

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

If you know you need forgiveness and mercy, and that you can't possible live good enough to earn them; that you are as lost as the murderer, adulterer, and the thief, then it is easier to give forgiveness and mercy! 

The worldly church delights in and flaunts the perks of being a child of The King; giving itself titles and wearing crowns. 

Whereas the wretched, prefers anonymity so that God gets all of the glory! It's "God's work", not mine or yours. It doesn't need a building. Or a big budget or bankroll. What He is doing, He will fund!

There is no pressure being an arm, a mouth, an ear, a foot. Those parts just do what The Head tells them to do! And there is only one Head to the body! He leads and the wretched follows, and rejoices at being useful! But He gets the glory!

My prayer: show us our wretchedness! Thank You Father for Your mercy and Your grace!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 2/4/17

How Will They Know

"How will they know?" is a question that rings through my head.

So many times I hear people state, "Well, we know they are a Christian" when describing someone facing a life or death situation - in need of prayer. 

And I didn't know they are. 

So are they?

If you are a Christian, won't it be evident? Isn't there supposed to be a difference in everything about you?  It's not about going to church, it's about forsaking the world. It's a change of heart. It's something that can't be hidden. 

“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

Many, many people have gone to the altar and said a few words and have been pronounced "Christian", but there has been no change. So now they think they are okay with God, because that's what they've been told.

“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

I was the same way! For 60 years, I went to church, sang in the choir, spoke in tongues but did whatever I my heart desired. I lived for myself. I lived in and of the world - AND I was told I was saved.

I was lied to!

I did just what the church told me to do! And my heart was cold and hard. I had anger and unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, envy and all sorts of other sins hiding there; stuffed full from years of disobedience to God's Word, but the church said I was saved. It believed a lie, and so did I.

“And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so. Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭18:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Someone told me the Truth, five years ago, and it made me mad, but I decided to find out for myself. I went to The Word to prove him wrong. God opened my eyes and I saw my sin. I knew I needed a Savior, and I chose to obey His Word. 

I've never been the same. 

What if I hadn't been told?

How many of you have family members who you think are saved, because they said some words, but have had no visible change? It's easier to believe the lie than confront the issue. We are so consumed with "not offending" we are risking our loved ones going to hell. 

If you don't tell them, who will?

Of course, it could be you who needs to be told. Maybe you are the one who said some words and think you are okay. Maybe you are consumed with yourself and only think of God when you have a need. Maybe you love your life so much you are unwilling to lose it for the sake of the Gospel.

I hope this makes you mad enough to go to your Bible to prove me wrong, because if that describes you - you are destined for hell.

You see I must tell you - I have no choice! 

“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.” Ezekiel‬ ‭3:18-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent - for time is short. 

“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

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:42‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 8/29/17

Try Me Lord

"Try me Lord - see if there is any wicked way in me. Show me where I'm living contrary to Your Word. I want to be delivered from everything that's unlike You. Away with all my pride, my ambitions, my selfish intellect, my reasoning. I know I can't think my way out of my situation. Holy Spirit, I need Your power and wisdom. I lay down every hope of solving things my own way." David Wilkerson "Change Me O Lord" 12/8/1999

Have you come to this place? 

A place of submission; laying it all down - 

A place of realization you have nothing to contribute BUT your will-

A place of "do with me what You want Lord” -

It's a hard place -

And the best place to be -

It's where you become the "lump" and He can start to mold you; make you into the vessel He wants, without your advice!‬‬

“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Giving up control, and letting Him be God is required, to be His servant. 

It's where you get peace! 

Obedience, submission, trust -

Freedom! Joy! Purpose!

This should be titled - “how to be sheep!”

Follow the Shepherd's voice!‬‬

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

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 12/7/16

When The Heart

"When the heart of man touches the heart of God, miracles happen!" Chet Murrell

That quote from my pastor is what came to mind this morning when I read the following verse:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Do you hear what God is saying through Jeremiah? Do you hear His heart? 

He sounds so much like the parents I hear everyday, mourning their children of whom they have little or no contact! The anguish they feel; the isolation; the aloneness! The promise unrealized. We love our children and after raising them, we anticipate sharing their success in adulthood, in fellowship. However, often that companionship is unknown. The kids are busy, living the life we helped them make. They might call. We hope for get-togethers on special occasions. Sometimes they occur; sometimes not. We hope for a phone call. A visit. We get them, when there is a need, but occasionally "just because" would be nice.

Do you hear it in the above verse? God's heart for His wayward children? His longing for fellowship? His love and desire to commune with those He created? We are so busy; we give Him so little. Oh, we offer a prayer in crisis, but to just set aside time, "just because" . . . 

Our relationships with our kids - 

a reflection of our relationship with God?

Unlike most parents, God allows us to go our own way! To fall down and learn from our mistakes, if we wish. However, most of the time we insist on making the same mistakes over and over. He's there when we call to Him! But He allows us to grow and encourages us to mature, so we will realize that His ways are the best for us! 

In contrast we often enable our children, in their rebellion and keep them dependent on us, because of our need. Not letting them go. That is our rebellion against God! For we make them to be idols and seek love to meet our needs that our children are unable to provide! This is love twisted, and it is prevalent in the world! In fact, the world ONLY knows twisted love. It's basis for love is "self";  what's in it for "me!"

Because we, have not repented of our idolatry, God allows the trials and storms of our captivity to escalate to the point we will call out to Him! He, ever the loving Father, is there listening for the broken hearted cry, of His child finally turning to Him in submission; so that He can establish the relationship we have avoided!

When will we realize our happiness only comes from obedience to our Father/Creator's commandments, and He allows our waywardness till we come to the end of ourselves? Then we find Him!

Why do we have to end up broken before we find Him? Why so much pain and suffering before we turn? Because there can be only One God, and we are not Him! As long as we vie for control, He is not our LORD.  

If you are tired and battle weary, get off the throne and let Him take His rightful place!

Let your heart, touch His heart and see the miracle occur; new life, joy unspeakable, peace that passes all understanding in the midst of life's storms; fellowship with The Lover of Your soul; the very One Who gave His life for you! What a Miracle!

You want a purpose for your empty life? Make Him your Principal Purpose! Then and only then will you know why you are here! He has work for His servants, and it's time to get busy!

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From: 3/9/16

For There Is Not

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” ‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My reading this morning reminded me of a conversation I had yesterday with one of my 92-year-old clients. We were discussing the sin of fear and worry, as she worries a great deal. She made the statement, "I'm not perfect, but I am a good person!"

The following scripture came to mind:

“And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Mark‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Here Jesus is saying that only God is good! 

Matthew also relates the story.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Matthew‬ ‭19:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Notice the young man wants to do good for the reward of eternity.

“And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus tells him, but yet again the young man wants to make sure he's got it right. He believes himself to be good but is checking to see if he has dotted all his "i"s and crossed all of his "t"s.

“He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” Matthew‬ ‭19:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” Matthew‬ ‭19:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

At this point the young man considered the cost and was unwilling to surrender. He was happy to be "good", but unwilling to be perfect. He wanted eternity but also wanted the world. In other words he loved the world more than God!

You can keep the commandments without loving God, but can't love God without keeping His commandments! 

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

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we were able to "do" good to gain eternity we would not need Jesus. We can't. But it's Him working in us, perfecting us when we empty ourselves of self. It's His work, not ours. (Philippians 1:6) He gets the glory!

What our part is - is surrender; our will for His will. Loving Him more than this world - our life. Desiring His pleasure more than ours. It's not about us; it's ALL about Him!

It's giving up our rights. 

I can also tell you what it's not!

It's not asking Jesus into your heart and then going about your business unchanged. Your church may have told you, you were saved, but if you did not make Him LORD, and turn from your wicked ways (doing whatever you want to do) you are going to hell - plain and simple. You cannot love the world more than God and go to heaven.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew‬ ‭7:13-15‬ ‭

Will you, today, give up your right to be right?

Will you surrender your will for Him to use you as He wishes for His Kingdom?

Will you repent?

Time is short - Salvation not a decision it's an act of submission; and it's for a lifetime; for eternity.

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 7/9/17

Now The Serpent

“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:1-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In the garden, the enemy twisted God's Word and deceived man. Man and woman chose to listen and intentionally rebelled  against God, and in doing so died a spiritual death. When questioned about what they had done, instead of acknowledging their sin and repenting of their own actions, they chose to lay the blame elsewhere! Adam even blamed God! They had become as their father the accuser!

The enemy is still twisting God's Words and man is still choosing to walk in rebellion, refusing to repent, and is dying.

God has since made every effort to reconcile man to Himself! 

“When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭18:26-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If your denomination does not preach repentance and you choose to believe the traditions of men instead of seeking The Truth for yourself in your Bible; if you are standing on Promises that are not yours to stand on (because of your rebellion), then you will die in your sin. The Promises of God are ours to claim, only through obedience to His Commandments!

You are rebellious and disobedient IF you have unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, fear, etc, in your heart, AND you will die in your sins, unless you confess and repent!

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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

Examine your heart!

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/19/17

Then Shall The Kingdom

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnightthere was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew‬ ‭25:1-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I was reading this, this morning, I was reminded of the New England houses with the "widow's walk." When their husbands were gone to sea, the women would go up to the roof on the widows' walk and search the horizon for a glimpse of sails in hopes of their husband's return! Many women loved their husbands so much, they spent the remainder of their lives watching and waiting; never to see them again, but they never stopped looking for his return!

How many of us love The LORD so much as to never give up watching for His return? How many church going "Christians" have already given up; thinking in their hearts, "Since the Disciples; they've watched and He hasn't come!"?  

Watching with expectancy shows our love! 

Obedience shows our love!

Most associate The Virgin story with the fantasy of the rapture. That was what I was taught in the denomination I attended. And I watched for His return as an escape from the very things He designed which would make me into His image. I had not been taught to obey His commandments; repentance of unforgiveness, judgments, bitterness, anger, fear and the like. Oh, I loved The Lord, but He was not my LORD! I attended church every time the doors were opened, but I was not His servant or follower. I had had an experience but my change had not separated me from the world! I was a foolish virgin!

Now, my life HAS changed and I long for His return, and am content to watch for Him, and walk in obedience to His Commandments, enduring to the end whatever He brings my way that will conform me and perfect me into His image! He is the principal purpose of my life! He is ever on my mind. 

How did this change occur? 

I surrendered! 

I gave up my will for His will!

I stopped trying to live my life on my own; realized I was not in control; I was not God, but He is! I accepted His sacrifice for my salvation; that I had been bought and became His slave! Oh what a marvelous thing; to be His! I never understood before!

I had been taught "He did it all" (and He did) but do not think for a moment His sacrifice will cost you nothing; for He requires your all! And when you truly love Him, you gladly give it all! It's the least you can do!

“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

ALL of your heart!

You can not love anyone or anything more than Him, or you don't love Him with "all" of your heart! That includes your children, your spouse, your home, your career, your country; nothing can be before Him! Lay down your idols.

That is obedience! 

That is surrender!

Do not be a foolish virgin!

Repent while there is indeed still time! We are not promised tomorrow!

"Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh!" Matthew 25:11-13 KJV

Come Lord Jesus!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 1/9/17

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

And I Heard

“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

"The accuser of our brethren"is the devil and God is not the only one who has to listen to him day and night. 

He is the voice in your head that is accusing, laying blame, telling on, lying about your friends, family, co-workers and even yourself, sowing discord, destroying relationships, distracting you from your walk with God.

When we choose to believe him and then speak the accusations he has planted, we kill not only friendships, and marriages, but even careers. Not many of us are murderers, but we often assassinate a person's character and think nothing of it. "The accuser" spreads destruction. 

“Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭52:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”  James‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭KJV

No, as men we are unable to tame the tongue. But God can change our heart!

When we start dealing with the sin we have hidden in our heart; when we repent of the things we have said and done and ask for forgiveness for the judgements we have made, then God starts changing our heart! 

We have so many walls built up in our hearts of past hurts and defiant proclamations, often originating from childhood. Those walls of protection as children, are barriers to God as adults. He wants to tear them down and clean out all of the garbage stashed behind and in the darkest recesses. He wants to shine a light on the filth and pain and bring healing. You can't just "forget" and "leave behind"; which the devil knows just increases the security of those fortifications. Jesus doesn't just want one room in your heart. All the walls must be torn down to make room for His total inhabitation.

You say you have forgiven. You say you have been forgiven. You also say you cannot forget. You back bite, you ridicule, you jest; you say you love, but your tongue hurts.

“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

“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. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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

It is imperative that we deal with our stuff here, so we won't have to deal with it then!

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

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/3/15

Jesus Said

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

Do you?

Do we even grasp the importance of loving The LORD God? Do we even understand He desires our love?

“Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.”  Psalms‬ ‭91:14-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Our society for the past 50 years or so, has been humanistic. We celebrate everything human or self. We allowed that religion into our schools and it infiltrated our churches. Look at the definition:

hu·man·ism

ˈ(h)yo͞oməˌnizəm/

noun

1. an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.

   • a Renaissance cultural movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought.

     noun: Humanism
   • (among some contemporary writers) a system of thought criticized as being centered on the notion of the rational, autonomous self and ignoring the unintegrated and conditioned nature of the individual.

I do not see a love for God in us. I see a love for self and a desire for a god to love us! As a whole we do not know how to love. We love the idea of a God of love, for He loves without our reciprocation. In the church today, everything revolves around Him loving us.

The church has another Jesus.

And Jesus, The Word made flesh, warned that this would happen!

“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

This "other" Jesus is the enemy; the devil; Satan; who comes to kill, steal and destroy! He has twisted The Word of God; has perverted doctrine; has enticed many generations with a sugar coated gospel that requires nothing of its believer. 

God loves me and He is a good God; another gospel. 

No where in humanism will you find "pick up your cross" or "die to self!"  For humanism is all about self love, self esteem, self preservation! It's all about "feel good!" 

Killing the "old man" does not feel good! 

Having "self" on the throne is idolatry and will send you to hell no matter what words you said at the altar!

Please examine your heart! Be honest with your self! You see God already knows who you worship! Ask Him to open your eyes and ears and change your heart! Ask Him to bring you to repentance! 

When He exposes the sins residing in your heart and you see just how much evil is truly there and you realize the sacrifice He made, you will know love! That will be your initial encounter with your First Love! Guard it well, for it can be lost; and so will you be!

Jesus speaking:

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Unrepented sin leads to a hardening of the heart! To keep your heart pliable before the LORD, we must walk in love; walk in forgiveness; walk in repentance - daily!

Again, Jesus speaking:

“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 ‭2:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 3/28/17

Do Ye Look

“Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We go through our day unawares of the spiritual battles taking place around us. And these battles are won or lost by what comes out of our mouths. Nothing is as it seems. And what looks like "forever" will change.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Everything that occurs in our lives  and around us has two purposes. One - to draw us closer to The LORD or 

Two - is meant to be a distraction, to get our mind off of Christ. 

Which - depends on where we are spiritually. Its effectiveness  is also subject to the same.

If Jesus is The Principal Purpose of your life, then the enemy is out to distract you. We all hope the events will send us even closer to our LORD, but often we are caught off guard and will take our eyes off of Him. As time goes by and we continue to focus on what is in front of us, we find ourself drifted away, because our anchor has slipped. Then the storms come to bring us back to Him! Their intensity and duration completely dependent on us! As we continually look at our circumstance and come into agreement with every negative thought the enemy puts in our mind, we stay in the turmoil. Grumbling/Complaining is the anchor to our storm. 

Storms/distractions are situations that involve the people around us; most often those we love. They can also involve our jobs, homes, automobiles, even world politics! Anything that gets us to think about, consider, focus on, meditate, examine, research, read about - continually causes us to waver in our walk. 

When we choose to focus on Jesus instead of the bad situation we are in; He then can bring it to an end. When we repent for our sins and choose to turn from the things that took us into dangerous waters, He then calms us in the storm! Peter sank because he took his eyes off of Jesus. We do too!

Focusing on Jesus does not mean one minute quoting scripture and then the next minute talking about how bad we have it! That is doublemindedness! 

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James‬ ‭1:6-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

No! When you choose to look at your situation through the lens of scripture you are fixing your eyes on the supernatural! That is how you stand! No matter what the storm, trial or test looks like; when you purpose to look to things that are unseen and call them seen, you are then entering into spiritual warfare! When we are looking at our circumstances we have left the war. We are "taken out", by the enemy. 

When you put your eyes on Jesus, you are joining in the battle on the side of Right!  You begin by believing for yourself and then your faith grows and God will use you to believe for those whose faith is underdeveloped! 

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Through faith and obedience to God's Word, Abraham did and so can you!

Become a great warrior for The LORD! 

Get your eyes off of your circumstances and put your eyes on The Prize! 

This life is NOT about the here and now; it's ALL about eternity! And God uses those of us most who are/were wounded in the line of fire - 

for when we are weak, He is strong! Get on the front line!

The battle is for men's souls; your’s and those you love!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 10/9/14

But In

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:20-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Please notice the phrase: 

"If a man therefore purge himself from these"

That phrase tells me we have an active part in our walk, as a Follower of Jesus. 

In the Forgiveness Ministry we encourage everyone to "deal with" (purge) the sins they have buried in their heart, as God reveals. At the core of "dealing with your sin" is confession and repentance; obedience to The Word of God. (James 5:16)

Obeying The Word of God is a requirement if one is to follow Jesus. Even the Son Of God was obedient even unto death on the cross! (Phil 2:8)

Many have been taught that the cross did it all! And they are only partially right. His death did pay the penalty for our sins. However, His death did not make it unnecessary for us to obey His Father's Commandments! 

Jesus offered His blood as the perfect sacrifice for our sins so we did not have to shed ours. He paid the price.  Our part is confessing and repenting of our sin thereby accepting His sacrifice, the forgiveness of our sins! [You have to own your sin to accept His sacrifice!]  Our turning away, from the sin we love, is following Him! [We must love Him more than we love our sin!]

To "follow" means to:

verb

1. 1. 

   go or come after (a person or thing proceeding ahead); move or travel behind.

   "she went back into the house, and Ben followed her"

   synonyms:

   come behind, come after, go behind, go after, walk behind "we'll let the others follow" accompany, go along with, go around with, travel with, escort, attend, trail around with, string along with; informaltag along with "people used to follow the band around"

In essence we are to walk the same steps as Jesus walked; in obedience to The Father/The Word of God! 

Make no mistake, following Jesus is a hard road. He says so Himself. Time and time again, He tells us what is required to be His Disciple, and those requirements have not changed!

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

It is not easy to follow Jesus! Just some of the things you MUST do is: 

Confess, repent, forgive, stop judging, flee youthful lusts, pursue righteousness, cleanse your heart, don't quarrel, be gentle to all, endure afflictions (with joy); and much, much more! 

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

It's in "doing" The Word, that we are made into His likeness. 

How do you look like Jesus?  By humbling yourself, confessing and repenting of your sin and cleansing your heart, resisting the devil and overcoming temptation, dying to the flesh and carrying your cross. None of which can be done by yourself. 

You purposing in your heart to follow Him, and humbling yourself; He will enable your success! He wants you to succeed and will assist you in supernatural ways, however He will not do it for you! This is your walk! You have to move your feet! You have to be engaged, if you want to be the bride!

“And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.” Matthew‬ ‭22:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What is your excuse for not obeying His call?

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/8/16