July 1, 2016

MY FRIENDS, WHAT IS OUR HEART TELLING US TODAY?

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it. [Or who can change it, except the one who made it?] Jer. 17:9 (NKJV) Deceitful my friends, above all things and desperately wicked. In others words the heart is barren unproductive, infertile, unfruitful, and incapable of producing any positive results. And since we were “shapen in iniquity; and in sin did [our] mother conceive [us]. We of ourselves are incapable of producing any real positive change.

But, It must become personal as we study God’s  word  and understand this controversy between good and evil” and what it means to our Salvation. Of all the gifts given to mankind non in my opinion is greater then the Holy Spirit because without God’s Spirit how do we even understand and appreciate God’s other free gift, which is grace. John 16:7-11 (ESV Paraphrased tells us) Christ told His disciples before He left this world. It was to our advantage that we understand the importance of why He had to go.

But we must also understand He would never “leave us nor forsake us” but He would send us a Helper and a Comforter to point the way to a perfect and righteous heart. He would also “convict us concerning all that was an abomination to God, because the principalities, and powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world would never allow us to believe all that was done for our salvation on Calvary without the Comforter to guide us in all truth and understanding.

And He will also urge us to accept the righteousness of Christ because “we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin.” Heb. 3:15 (NIV)  And He will convict us to understand that the“ vindication of the divine character of Christ at the cross assured that Satan who “said in His heart I will be like the most High” would be brought to trial.”

And not only Satan but all who followed him and did as we pleased, and in our heart, we became complacent and unconcerned about giving our heart to Christ but said instead “where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4 (KJV) My friends, nothing in this world should be more important than our Salvation.

Remember, “he who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of [salvation]. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of [salvation]. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of [salvation]……” Matt. 10:37-39 (NKJV). Today Christ knocks at the door of our heart. And beyond the noise of this world we must here the knock and the pleading of Christ for us to “give up our flight” and “forsake all others” and give it all to Him and not only our heart but our time talents and money.

Remember my friends, He also told His disciples in John 14:1-4 (ESV) “our hearts must not be troubled of all of the “breaking news ” in our world today, but focus on His words that in [His] Father’s house are many mansions that He has gone to prepare for us. And once He goes, He will return and He will take all of His faithful who endured to the end] to that same place” to live in His presence, throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

June 29, 2016

MY FRIENDS, IS THERE REALLY HOPE?

As a child of God we can say without any reservation, we are war weary and utterly exhausted and drained of strength, energy, and we are greatly fatigue, by this prolonged conflict from within that rages daily. Paul explains it this way “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” Romans 7:18-20 (NKJV)

In addition, this battle continues, and to wave the white flag means defeat, which means to live as one who has no hope. But my friends, Calvary tells us, hope and victory lies within us, and along with that hope and victory, is the promise that “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Rom 8:37 (ESV) And we can [also] do all things through him who strengthens us.” Phil. 4;13 (ESV)

And because Christ love is unconditional, nothing shall separate us from Him? [Not] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword (KJV) And each Day as self-dies and we are “crucified with Christ.” our life can no longer be about what we want, or our desires of the flesh, but what God wants and His will for our lives. Remember, “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” 1 John 2:17 (NKJV)

“There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world’s standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness. In order to gratify ambition and worldly desires, they wound the conscience, and bring upon themselves an additional burden of remorse.

The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. . . . He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 330.) My friends we can’t keep telling ourselves, I will let this conflict from within remain, so we continue to set “our mind on things below, not on things above.” So we continue “to live as one who has no hope”

That is why we must allow God’s Spirit to penetrate the unknown places of our life that we have never allowed him to go before, and don’t let Him leave until we can say as Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [and I have endured].” And now “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim 4:8 (NKJV)

So today, it becomes crucial my friends, that we  “forsake all others” and seek God’s presence with a passion in prayer and in His word, and if we listen real close, out of the darkness one voice will signal something quite different from the voices of this world, because it is the same voice that rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm,” [that will give us hope] Mark 4:39 (KJV)

MY FRIENDS, ARE WE GOD’S VOICE CALLING IN THE WILDERNESS FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?

A Wilderness is defined as a wild and uncultivated region…..inhabited mostly by wild animals. But in the context of “The Great Controversy” we will look at an uncultivated region as this wicked world we live in unprepared for “the great tribulation, a time never witness by any man before. [Before being since the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth up until today, June 27, 2016, no, nor ever shall be.] ”

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matt 24:2-22 (NKJV) And the wild animals in this wilderness, we can say with no reservation are “human beings” totally controlled, not by God, but by principalities, and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12 (KJV)

My friends, the directions God is leading us is unclear at times, but because we know God loves us we must do whatever it takes to be His voice CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS to all who are sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful and loving arms of our Savior. That is why our focus must remain on Calvary and what was done for our Salvation and why it is crucial that we are the voice of God.

Remember Satan is defeated so we “will not have to fight this battle. [but] Position ourselves, [and] stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with us. O [faithful servants of the most High God.] Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with us.”2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV) So my friends let’s seek Gods Spirit and presence daily in this wilderness experience and “even If we ascend to heaven, [remember our God is] there!

And If we make our bed in Sheol, [remember our God is there! And If we take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there [our God will be] because His hand shall lead us, and [His] right hand shall hold us.” Ps. 139 1:10 (ESV Paraphrased) And my friends that promise tells us, we must not fear being God’s VOICE CALLING IN THE WILDERNESS FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, because our God “will never leave nor forsake us.”

But, there are still mountains to climb and the storms may only have just begun, but, “God never said it would be easy He only said “The Lord is on our side; [we must] not fear, what can man do unto [us if God is on our side?] Ps. 118:6 (KJV) Oh the promises of God that we must hold on to if our plans are to finish God’s mandate here on earth and live throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity in Gods holy kingdom.

So let’s ask ourselves today, what is it about this wilderness experience that has us afraid to forsake everything in this world that is detrimental to our salvation and give it all to the Master. Remember “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. “ 2 Tim 1:7 (NKJV)

So we must move out and become “a voice of one, calling out, Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness [remove the obstacles]; Make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God [who will soon send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other,] Is. 40:3 (AMP)

June 24, 2016

MY FRIENDS, HAVE WE LAYED ASIDE ALL SINS WHICH SO EASILY ENSNARES US?

As our personal journey continues to the promise land, and we look forward to the day when “God [will] wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things [at that point would have] passed away,” Rev. 21:4 (KJV) nothing can be about us anymore.

Our focus now should only be, what is God’s ministry for our life as we begin downsizing our priorities and “forsaking all others” for the glory of God as we begin to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, [while] running with endurance the race that [Christ has] set before us,  looking [only]unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross….Heb 12:1-2 (KJV)

Now we have taken up our own cross and each day as we get closer to Christ second coming the road get’s narrower and the mountains much harder to Climb. But God’s Word and Spirit must be the only standard or reference by which we gaze our success or failures by because heaven should be our only focal point along with how many souls we will present before Christ as the redeemed enters “the city of God, [and] the Saviour bestows upon His faithful who endured to the end the emblems of victory, and invests [us] with the insignia of [our] royal state.

[And now we understand Paul’s words “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 (KJV)] as the glittering ranks are drawn up in the form of a hollow square about their King…. Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory [on our heads and]…. In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp.

Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains…. Before the ransomed throng is the holy city. Jesus opens wide the pearly gates, and the nations that have kept the truth enter in. (E.G. White, The Great Controversy, pp 645, 646 ) So today as we seek the presence of God, we must asked ourselves, have we “LAYED ASIDE” every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.

“LAYED ASIDE” every weight meaning, the weight of what we watch on TV and the internet? And the weight of  unhealthy foods we eat? And the weight of what we say and where we go? Remember my friends “whatever we do, we must do it to the glory and honor of the one who gave it all for our salvation while never forgetting it is Satan that places before God’s children those sins which so “easily ensnares us.”

James 1:14-15 (KJV) tells us “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Yes my friends we are chosen by Satan for perdition. but as we remove every “weight of sin that so easily ensnares us“ God then tells us “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Col 3:23 (KJV)

My friends, the stakes are high and “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life [eternal], and those who find it are few.” [But through Christ we will be a-part of that few] Matt. 7:13 (ESV)

June 23, 2016

MY FRIENDS, HAVE WE CONSIDERED THE WAYS OF THE ANT LATELY?

Through our trials, heartaches, and pain, we’ve prayed and praised God and at times it seems nothing changes. But we must continue to trust our sovereign God even though we will never be able to explain as we study His word how things changed at his command. But through our faith and endurance we must believe miracles happened and are still happening today.

“Be strong and courageous never fearing or in dread of [anything because], it is the Lord our God who goes with us. And He will [never leave nor forsake [His faithful].” Deut. 31:6 (ESV paraphrased) Words of encouragement Moses spoke to all Israel right before they entered the promise land. At this time Moses knew, because of his sin He would not be allowed to enter, at least the earthly promise land.

But,” because Moses believed in the promises of God He knew he must also “be strong and courageous” for those before him as he lifted up his eyes to the hills, knowing their help cometh from the one who created the heavens and the earth, knowing It was only God who had brought Israel out of the land of Egypt and parted the red sea and sent manna from heaven to sustain them throughout their journey for the last forty years.

Luke 3:5 (KJV) tells us Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.” If we only persevere. James also says “Blessed is a man [or woman] who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (KJV) My friends, the ant never gives up, they may fall at times at the weight of their burdens but, remain focused on their destination, steadily moving forward, never retreating.

“Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,” Prov. 6:6 (NASB) So as a child of God we must also “be wise” never retreating, continually moving forward until we hear God Himself say “well done” My friends, the problems we face daily, from a human standpoint seems overwhelming, and unsolvable at times, But, all of life’s burdens, associated within the interaction of our day to day life we must Cast upon the Lord as He continually sustains us through it all.

And with no reservations we must know, “He shall never suffer the righteous to be shaken.” Ps 55:22 (KJV) Remember the God we serve is unlimited, unmeasurable, and infinite in regards to what He is capable of doing for each of us if we believe. ”The great Oriental conqueror Tamerlane told his friends, “I once was forced to take shelter from my enemies in a dilapidated building, where I sat alone for many hours. Wishing to divert my mind from my hopeless situation, I fixed my eyes on an ant carrying a kernel of corn larger than itself up a high wall.

I counted its attempts to accomplish this feat. The corn fell sixty-nine times to the ground, but the insect persevered and the seventieth time it reached the top.” And my friends, victory through Christ only comes when we “forsake all others” except Christ, knowing He will take us to the top as He provides His children with blessings beyond what we ever thought possible as we complete His mandate here on earth. And then, to His faithful “the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day my crown of righteousness and not to me only, but unto all that love his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:8 (KJV)

June 22, 2016

MY FRIENDS, IS THERE ADEQUATE TIME TO UNDERSTAND AND KEEP ALL TEN COMMANDMENTS?

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Knowledge is defined as “the body of truths or facts accumulated in the course of time.” And when we speak of a course of time in regards to a child of God, we are saying one’s probationary period God gives His children between birth and death. In addition, during this time God has given us adequate time to know and understand his word in its entirety from Genesis, to Revelation and beyond.

Yes my friends, God has given us adequate time to understand, it was His own finger that wrote these commandments and why they are important and why they reveal who He is and why we can never place anything before Him. And why He is a jealous God and why we cannot cry out God’s name in vain; Jesus please, God-dam, Lord have mercy, and Jesus Christ. In other words, using Gods name without any real “significance, value, or importance.” Which seems like such an insignificant law, everyone does it.

But James tells us “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10 (NIV) “Remember my friends the Lord will not hold him guiltless [but guilty] who takes His name in vain.” Yes, Gods children also have adequate time to remember what day is the seventh day of the week from the other six days. And why He rested on that day and blessed that day and hallowed that day.

Yes my friends, He has given us adequate time to understand why we must “Honor our father and our mother, that our days may be long upon the land which the Lord our God has given us.” and He has also given us adequate time to understand  why we must not murder someone, or commit adultery against our spouse, or steal, or bear false witness against our neighbor, or covet our neighbor’s house or our neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that is our neighbor’s.”

Consistent with this, the psalmist tells us, our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” Ps 90:10 (NIV) Eighty years is not a long time but it is adequate enough time to understand what Christ was saying when He said “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matt. 5:18 (KJV)

My friends, God is equipping His children for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, [so that we may all] come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man [and woman], to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” Eph. 4:13-12 (NKJV) Remember 1 John 3:2 (NKJV) tells us “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Which tells us when Jesus Christ comes we would have had adequate time to transform our character into the image of Christ. and to “love Him with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind and with all our strength. [This is the first four commandments and the second six] are like it, which tells us: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. and There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 (NKJV)