Archives for January 2017

Jan, 14, 2017

MY FRIENDS, HAVE THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD MADE GOD IRREVERENT?

“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity.” Ez. 7:19 (JKV) Plutocracy is defined as a government or state in which the wealthy class rules.

“The historian Plutarch warned us long ago of what happens when there is no brake on the power of great wealth to subvert the electorate. “The abuse of buying and selling votes,” he wrote of Rome, “crept in and money began to play an important part in determining elections. Later on, this process of corruption spread in the law courts and to the army, and finally, when even the sword became enslaved by the power of gold, the republic was subjected to the rule of emperors.”

And what you are seeing in the great US of A today is also man being enslaved by the power of gold which subjects our society to the power of man instead of God. And this problem will not be solved, at marches, rallies, or sit-in’s, like in times past.

But only when God say’s “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matt 25:21 (KJV) Consistent with this, God is calling each of His children to focus on finishing this journey He has placed us on as we “bear much fruit” for the kingdom of God.

In addition, material possessions, wealth, and the god of this world must become irreverent, we as children of God must never bow down to the Golden Calf as we repeat the words, Oh heavenly wealth, God will never come before thee. Today “many have been corrupted by the spirit and influence of this world.

[Man’s character] are becoming more and more unlike the divine model [Christ]. They are being transformed to become instruments of unrighteousness…. [but] a Christian character untarnished with avarice, possessing quietness, meekness, and humility, is more precious in the sight of God than the most fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir…..

But, all the riches that the wealthiest ever possessed will not be of sufficient value to cover the smallest sin before God. Repentance, true humility, a broken heart and a contrite spirit, alone will be accepted of him.” (E.G. White Deceitfulness of Riches, Review and Herald March 4, 1880)

My friends we must stay focus on the things above while remembering, to “seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added…” Matt. 6:33 (KJV) In addition, we must never get discouraged about what we don’t have as long as we have God’s assurance that His Son suffered and died for everyone so that through His love grace and mercy we may have life and have it more abundantly.

Rev. 22:12 (NIV) tells us “I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” My friends, what have we done for Christ today? And have we set our mind on the things of this world instead of things above? And, have we made Christ, His word, and the presence of His Spirit irreverent instead of the god of this world?

JAN. 13, 2017

MY FRIENDS, UNDERSTANDING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

The presence of God is where God’s Spirit abides, that same Spirit also transforms our lives according to God’s holy purpose as He separates the “light from the darkness.” because we are His “chosen race, [His] royal priesthood, [His] holy nation, [His] people [who will praise His name day and night, [because He has transformed our lives] out of darkness into [His] marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

And that my friends 0nly happens when we are in the very presence of God according to His holy purpose and according to His will. “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7 (KJV) In addition, being in the presence of God, also requires great responsibility on our part.

Christ says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing…..”John 15:5-6 (KJV) So as God’s Holy nation, our responsibility is to “bear much fruit” that is God’s will and it only becomes relevant in our lives if we are forever in the presence of God and living our lives according to His will as we allow God’s Spirit to separate “the light from the darkness.”

And as we allow Him to remove every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, [being in His presence also allows us to] ….run with patience the race that [our Lord and Savior has] set before us” Heb. 12:1 (KJV) My friends, Christ will soon return to claim His redeemed, so our life must be forever centered around His presence.

And in His presence we exemplify that faith which says to any “mountain, move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for [God’s faithful].” Matt. 17:20 (NIV) and in-spite of “our circumstance” When we are in the presence of God He listens and responds. But my friends, how does God hear and how does He respond over the noise of our life.

And how can He forefeel our needs if our mind is not forever consumed with “Search me Lord, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there are any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  as we live in the shelter of the Most High [because that is where we] will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty [because] You alone are [our] refuge, [and] place of safety.

You [are our] God, and [we will forever] trust You……[because we know You] will cover [us] with Your feathers and shelter [us] with Your wings. Your faithful promises are [Your] armor and protection. [So we will not] be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.” Ps. 139:23 (KJV), Ps 91:1-7 (NIV)

And one day soon my friends, Earth and Heaven will pass away and it want be a dream, because God will make all things new that day. Gone will be the curse from which we stumbled and fell, No more [darkness], no more pain No more tears, never crying again [only] praises to the great, “I AM”

And all around, the nations will bow down to sing, praises to Christ, our King [and just imagine [in His presence is] where we will live with our] Savior throughout the ceaseless ages eternaty (David Phelps, No More Nights).

Jan 12, 2017

MY FRIENDS, HAVING AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD!!!

The Thrilla in Manila is consistently ranked as one of the best encounter of two warriors in sport’s history. Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. But, why would the Great I AM the King of the universe, get in the ring with anybody to prove there “is none like unto Him, [even] His name is great in might [and power]” Jer. 10:6 (KJV) My friends it’s called love. Selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. Remember His encounter at Calvary for us.

The rough terrains, the seemingly unbearable situations, the injustice of life, a disobedient child, an abusive husband, death of a love one, the list goes on and God’s grace and love is there to show us, this to will pass, every step of the way through Him. But, like Jacob, how can we “see God face to face, and [we become conquerors and our] life is preserved.” Gen 3:20 (KJV)

My friends, Jacob was prepared, remember he is going up against the great I Am, there had to be, daily preparation for his encounter because he understood, he could not be lacking in faith or “having a form of godliness but denying its power” like Goliath who went into the ring with the Lord’s Anointed with only a sword, a spear and a javelin.

My friends, we must be prepared to endure through the days and nights on our knees until God’s Spirit gives us the victory, while never focusing our attention on the timing of why we haven’t succeeded because a lack of patience is only a lack of faith. Remember Jacob fought all night until He saw the face of God and heard His voice.

Jacob knew God was not slow in keeping his promises, but only patient…”not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (JKV) My friends, we must always remember God is preparing us for greater encounters against the enemy, encounters we are unprepared to handle right now.

And the closer we get to Christ second coming, the encounters will become more intense because we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities, and the darkness of this world,” Eph.6:12 (KJV) and those battles are daily. In addition, our encounters and problems move up daily in a designated weight class.

And as we get older the main event always gets more and more dramatic, and at times the presence of God may be veiled from our face, and it will only be our faith,  prayer and the promises of God that we have constantly studied in His word along with God’s Spirit that will give us the strength to continue.

Remember, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon and his angels, but they did not prevail, “nor was a place found for them in heaven. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent..called the Devil and Satan , who deceives the whole world; he and his angels were cast to earth.” Rev 12:7-9 (NKJV) Which tells us there can be no place found for Satan in our lives, all abominations against God must be eliminated.

And through Christ we then become “more than conquerors……[But first] you and I must be  persuaded through our faith,] that death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God” [and what God will do for us If we believe] Rom. 8:37-39 NKJV)

Jan 10, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WITH EACH WRONG ACT THE OLD SELFISH NATURE IS GAINING STRENGTH!!

Many claim to be a child of God but are just not willing to “lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily ensnares [them]” Heb 12:1 (NKJV) because, their desire to do God’s “will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Holy Spirit……Many feel a sense of estrangement from God, a realization of their bondage to self and sin; they make efforts for reform; but they do not crucify self.

They do not give themselves entirely into the hands of Christ, seeking for divine power to do His will. They are not willing to be molded after the divine similitude. In a general way they acknowledge their imperfections, but they do not give up their particular sins. With each wrong act the old selfish nature is gaining strength. (E.G. White, Christ Object Lessons p48)

That my friends, is why we must die daily. Self must not remain the ruling force in our life because with each wrong act, self becomes more and more prevalent. And as self begins to gain strength, it is at that point, Empire, and the Have and Have not’s become only a form of entertainment instead of an abomination to God.

As we move closer to Christ second coming the more we must seek God’s Spirit as we cry out daily, “Lord have your way!” “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matt 26:39 (NIV) To seek that cup with a passion, is to accept the challenges Christ sets before us as we surrender our all.

What a testimony to our family, friends, love one’s, co-workers and neighbors, a testimony that says through it all, my all still remains in the hands of my Lord and Savior. Spiritually whatever level we may feel we are at, we must ask God to take us to that place very few are willing to go. That place where “the gate is very narrow and difficult is the journey that leads to life eternal.”

In the spring at Niagara Falls, there is large blocks of ice flowing toward the falls. Embedded in the ice you can see carcasses of dead fish. Gulls by the score will ride down the river feeding on the fish. As they come to the brink of the falls, their wings go out, and they escape annihilation at the powerful falls.

But every once in a while a gull will delay, seemingly engrossed in the dead carcasses of all the fish, and when it finally comes to the brink of the falls, and it extends its powerful wings, the bird will flap but to no avail. Even by chance it does lift the ice out of the water, it has delayed too long and its claws are now frozen into the ice and the weight becomes too great, causing the gull to plunge into the abyss.

Oh, the danger of delay! I’m sure those who linger have seen others fall into the abyss, but, somehow they figured, they can succeed where others have failed. With each wrong act we also feel we can succeed where others have failed. But, the more we linger the more the old selfish nature gains strength. And only through God’s word and Spirit as self dies and we live our life through Christ, can we gain the strength needed to take us from this earth to eternity. 

Jan 8. 2017

MY FRIENDS, DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE HOUR HAS ALREADY COME?

The complacent attitude, not only from “the one who says their is no God” but those who consider themselves good outstanding members in our churches are telling themselves “where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 (KJV) But this is one’s excuse to keep their eyes focused on the “things of this world and not on things above.”

Christ Himself tells us in Matt. 6:21 (KJV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” so where are the desires of your heart my friends, have you decided that seeking Gods kingdom and the wide gate that leads to destruction is more suitable to your life style then the narrow way, that leadeth unto [life eternal], that few will find. Matt 7:13-14 (KJV) paraphrased.

But my friends, Salvation should be all we seek as we look at all that is happening at “the present time [in our world, because it should tell all who seek God’s kingdom that] the hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Rom. 13:11-12 (NIV)

We may try and convince ourselves that history continues, we live and we die, “scoffers seem” to be the only ones that make since in our present time. But, as our hope of a second coming is delayed so is our interest in what God is offering us. But my friends “from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come… And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion, for ever and ever, Amen. Behold he is coming with clouds, and every eye shall see him…” Rev 1:4-7 (KJV) But, if you are able to remain faithful to the fact our Savior was born in a manger? and our Savior died on a cross, and rose agon on the third day?

You must also believe He will also come again and every eye will see Him. So my friends we must live our life today according to our faith that we have allowed God’s word and Spirit to instilled within us as we study daily. Remember, “the hour has already come for us to wake up from our slumber, because our salvation is near”

Our Lord and Savior will come soon, but we must also believe that He “is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you [and I], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 2 Peter 3:9-10 (NIV)

So we must be prepared for His soon return. And as we are doing God’s will and serving Him daily, our only concern should be in preparing others for Christ second coming and that place “no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him! Cor. 2:9 (NIV)

Jan. 7, 2017

MY FRIENDS, BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS….

For they shell be filled. Matt. 5:6 (KJV) “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, [others] say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Ps 42:1-4 (NKJV) My friends, have we searched with a passion? And If someone ask “where is your God”? Will we know?

A narrative begins in Judges 7:1-8 (KJV) “And the Lord said to Gideon, “You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink.” Now the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men” Judges 7:5 (NASB)

The call had gone out for warriors to fight in the army of God. 32,000 responded, expecting to fight an enemy of 135,000. God told Gideon to proclaim to all whosoever is fearful and afraid let Him depart. 22,000 responded and went home leaving only 10,000. My friends, “God, who knows the heart.”

He also knows all of His children, like the deer, pants for Him while allowing “only their tears to become their food day and night,” So our all-knowing God, knew there were still 9,300 who proclaimed to be warriors in the army of God but still did not seek victory for God with the passion a deer panteth for water.

Only three hundred met this criteria and with those three hundred with a passion to serve God, were used to bring about a great victory that day. And my friends only when we seek God’s presence with that same passion and that same “hunger and thirst of the soul who long for righteousness with an eager anxiety of a man or [woman] starving for lack of food or famishing for want of water” (SDA commentary p 326) will God be able to use effectively.

“No earthly source can satisfy the hunger of one’s soul,” but we must first recognize that what fills the hunger can only be found in Christ as we study His word while allowing His Spirit to take full control of our lives.” “Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” John 6:35 (NASB)

My friends, with this longing we know one day God will bring about a great victory for Him, through us, as we take up our cross and go out onto the front lines of the battle field and serve God. Remember Christ tells us “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” Matt. 9:37 (NIV)

Few meaning, very few of His children have “an intense desire” to seek Christ “as the deer pants for streams of water,” with “a restless craving” that says our God will sustain us in every situation and circumstances and one day soon “from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, [All who crave His presence shall come to worship before the one who gave it all for our salvation.]” Is. 66:23 (NKJV)

My friends, if our desire is to live from one New Moon to another in Christ pure and holy kingdom we must take our eyes off the things of this world and “behold Christ face in righteousness; and be satisfied only to know one day [we will be] in His likeness” Ps. 17:15 (KJV)

Jan 3, 2017

MY FRIENDS, WHAT A PRICE FOR OUR SALVATION!!

We can no longer afford to give sermons without the disturbing implication that “the wages of sin is death.” Sin being anything abhorred by God. But, first we must be crucified with Christ and [we] no longer live, but Christ lives in [us]. And the life [we] now live in the body, [we] live by faith in the Son of God…..” Gal 2:20 (NIV) So if we have a passion for life eternal, Christ must be greater than any situations or circumstances that we feel justifies not crucifying our life and living it in Christ.

And that is where “faith” enters the picture because a growing faith is the sinner’s awareness that God is greater than anything in this finite or limitless world we live in. And as God’s ambassadors to the world, we must make Calvary and who Christ is, and what He has done, not only for ourselves but He must become real to others as well.

But we cannot witness to others with passion that makes them want to change if Christ is not real to us. Real meaning before we sin, the scourging that ripped through the flesh of He, who knew no sin and the crown of thorns that penetrated His brow and the nails that were driven into his hands and feet and the spear that was thrust into his side, such passion then becomes real to us and we no longer have a desire to sin.

In addition, if Christ paid such a price for you and I, we then become disciples and deny self and take up our cross and follow Him wherever He leads as we “count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord….” Phil 3:8 (KJV) So now it’s very personal as we look deep down from within and ask, is salvation and life eternal worth it?

And how hard are we willing to get that pearl of greater price and give up everything this world has to offer for the “priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.” Remember Christ Himself tells us in Matt 7:13-14 (NKJV) to “enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” My friends, The journey is difficult, but not unattainable because “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us.” Romans 8:37 (NLT)

John gives us a shared vision of “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,” Rev 7:9 (NKJV) and that number is comprised of all the redeemed that traveled that narrow road.

My friends, if we seek “a better Country” we must believe and that belief must grow daily, because when we “were a child we spoke and understood as a child” but as men and women we cannot fight spiritual battles in this world against the “rulers of the darkness of this age” with a Childlike faith.

In addition, the battles we face daily can only be won on our knees as we study God’s word daily and allow His Spirit to penetrate and transform while leading us into “all truth and understanding.”

Jan. 2, 2017

MY FRIENDS, THE BATTLE IS WON ON OUR KNEES

Welcome to 2017, which tells each of God’s children that the narrative or the account of events in our lives did not end in 2016 even though Satan went about daily seeking which one of us he “may devour.” And because Christ lives, with no reservation we understand our God is greater than all of our situations and circumstances and our battles will only be won on our knees. For Gods promise is “I know the thoughts that I think toward you,…

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.” Jer. 29:11-13 (NIV) “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”

So Elijah got up and ate and drank. [Strengthened by God at a time he had lost all hope], he then traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:7-8 (NIV) Fed by God, at that point Elijah could continue His journey and only on our knees where the battles are won and we are fed by God will we receive the power of God’s Spirit, and we will also finish our journey.

But first “we must have a deep, earnest sense of our needs. We must feel our weakness and our dependence upon God, and come to Him with contrition of soul and brokenness of heart. Our petitions must be offered in perfect submission; every desire must be brought into harmony with the will of God, and His will must be done in us.” (E.G. White Prevailing Prayer)

On our knees is where we seek and find “the author and finisher of our faith” where the plans and partitions of our life are worked out. Remember, it was on their knees that the three Hebrew boys received the power to stand up to King Nebuchadnezzar and say “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods.” Daniel 3:16-16 (KJV) And it was at Gethsemane Christ tells His Disciples “why are you sleeping?” “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:46 (NIV) And at Gethsemane, on His Knees is where Christ fought His last battle before Calvary.

2017 will be a challenge for us, Satan is a strangest who through the weeks and months of 2016 has gathered in His sieve the life of ever one who claims to be a child of God but, have not figured out it is “not flesh and blood we struggle with” but “against Satans powerful and evil forces in the heavenly realms.”

Therefor, we feel no need to study the word of God or diligently “pray as we seek Gods presence daily.” Remember, Satan “stalks its prey” making sure He has “set our minds on the things that are of this world, and not on the things above” before He devours, first sifting us gently in His sieve then violently back and forth as the storm intensifies,” and our faith weakens, which then separates us from God. And one day Christ will come like a thief in the night, and we will not know at what time He will come.