July 28, 2013

MY FRIENDS, FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS!

Mark 8:22-26 And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. 23 Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” 25 Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. 26 And He sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS!

Have you ever wondered why a pigeon walks so funny? According to an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press, a pigeon walks the way it does so it can see where it’s going. Because it can’t adjust its focus as it moves, the pigeon actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus. This is the way it walks: head forward, stop; head back, stop! In our spiritual walk with the Lord we have the same problem as the pigeon. We have a hard time seeing while we’re moving.

We also need to stop between steps to refocus on where we are in relation to the World and the will of God. Our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of “stops,” which enable us to see more clearly before moving on. This healing was unique in that it consisted of two stages. After the first healing was performed, the man saw people indistinctly as moving objects, like trees walking. That is, he could distinguish them from trees only by their motion;

before he had totally gone blind it may have been that he saw men as trees. Men had become shadows moving about to him. Now that he is gaining his sight back, as man rising out of deep water, he sees men in the same form. Now going back to Mark 8:25 The Blind man’s reply tells us he knew what trees looked like so we know he has seen before in his life time.

His blindness was not {congenital} or present at birth. After that Christ put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. Sometimes we, like the blind man, need a second touch by Jesus in order to see things from His perspective. He looked at men and saw trees he looked at our Savior, Jesus Christ, and saw clearly.

And once his eyes was fixed on Christ, his sight and focus was fully restored. “The second stage of healing was preceded by the touching of the eyes. The text does not say that Jesus made him look up, but rather that the man looked intently. And when he did so, he began to see all things clearly.” “When Christ is the center of your focus, everything else will come into proper perspective.”

As we begin to focus upon God, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will begin to take shape before our eyes. (A. W. Tozer) Wikipedia,describes FOCUS: as selectively concentrating on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other things the Free Dictionary describe FOCUS: As A point at which rays of light or other radiation converge or from which they appear to diverge, as after refraction or reflection in an optical system: the focus of a lens. Also called focal point.

As A Christian what Focal Point should mean to each of us is Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Nothing else should define This Race or journey that each of us are on to the finish line except JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED. Yesterday I checked my comments of the day, as I always do , and a good friend of mine left one and all he said was you cannot leave out the Democratic party. He knowing me as He does knew that he would be getting a phone call from me soon, he also knew the first thing I would say would be you republican, and of course he was right.

And like the blind man, as my friend and I talked, my sight  became clearer and clearer, that’s a good thing abut having friends who are moving in the same direction as you Spiritually. At the end of the day we both came to the same conclusion, and that is, nothing else matters in life, except Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. But what I had done was taken my focus off of what this site should be all about, and moved into the area of Politics.

So to get back on focus I must say, It doesn’t matter in politics: if you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Libertarian, or the Green party, etc. etc. In Religious Denominations: It doesn’t matter if you are A Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of Christ, Adventist or Lutheran, etc. etc. Or your Ethnicity: It does not matter if you are Black, White, European, Spanish, Chinese, Korean or German. etc. etc, In the classes: it doesn’t matter If you are rich, poor, or middle class. etc. etc. finally in one’s sexual orientation it does not matter if you are A man, Woman, Gay, hetasexual or Bisexual. etc. etc.

Remember my Friends, when each of us stand’s before God the only thing that will matter will be what was our Relationships with Christ, while we were here on this earth, and did we allow Our Lord and Savior to transform our character to be like His. And as Christians we can never ever loose our focus on where Christ is leading us from day to day, as we Study his Word, and seek His Spirit. And if that remains our focus Eternity, and Gods pure and holy kingdom will soon be ours.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2 – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. also he says in Colossians 2:6 -8 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

When we as Christians remain Focused we then surrender our all to the Master. And once that happens it all becomes about trusting and having faith in a God, that has done it all for our Salvation Paul tells us in Romans 5:7-8 “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Peter also tell’s us in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” So By Surrendering to God, it takes the focal Point off of self, and what we may want, and places it upon the blood of Jesus Christ.

Totally Surrendering and given it all to the Master is not the most outstanding way to live, it is the only way to live, If we want to make heaven our home. Because nothing else matters as a Christians. Because all other pathways lead to resentment, defeat and in the end destruction. Hebrews 12:2 says “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

So if our Goal is the kingdom of God, then we must never loose sight of Christ and what we must do to be like Him, and what He must haved endured on The Via Dolorosa, the road Jesus walked from the place of Pontius Pilate’s sentencing, to Golgotha, The “way of sorrows.” “On a hill far away” to save you and I

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.
O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me; for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see, for ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share.

Hebrews 12:2 Says it all “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” My Friends FOCUS! FOCUS! FOOCUS!

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

July 26, 2013

A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR US ALL

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today in our hour of need, to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your Grace, mercy, and guidance. We know in your Word it says, in Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” but we as a CHURCH and a SOCIETY and a NATION have done exactly that, and allowed our FOCUS to move from JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED TO SELF AND WHAT IS BEST FOR ME AND NOT THEE.

We have lost our spiritual compass, and have Focused our values, toward the values of the god of this world. We confess to you, and you only, and ask at this moment for your forgiveness, and pray that once again our focus will be placed on our Lord and Savior and His will for us. And through your HOLY WORD AND SPIRIT, and a sincere daily HEARTFELT PRAYER LIFE. Our eyes will forever remain on Thee as we ENDURE THIS RACE to the FINISH LINE and than.

We your FAITHFUL CHILDREN may all say with one accord as you enter the clouds above to take us to your pure and holy kingdom. “LO THIS IS OUR GOD WHO WE HAVE WAITED FOR.” And as you present to us a golden CROWN and wipe our tears away. Oh to finally here you say to each of the redeemed ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ AMEN :

BELOW, Part 1 of A Four Part SPECIAL PRAYER LIST for our Churches, our Nation And each of us who look forward to entering Gods Pure And Holy Kingdom one day

 For the sake of more tithe We have blurred the absolute truth of Your Word and called it A DIVERSIFIED CHURCH. Isaiah 8:20 says To the LAW and to the TESTIMONY! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. We know the distinction between LAW and TESTIMONY in our court system. And I don’t believe anyone is in danger of confusing the two terms. But who would imagine, that the statement of our law that comes from our judicial system and the facts given as a testimony by the witness in court, are the same thing? No one. But only in “things pertaining to the kingdom of God can we blend the two together” But in most of our churches today this plain and necessary distinction is not always recognized;

 Or, if so, it is generally disregarded because the truth in Gods Word does not always pay dividends. Hence, most Christian denominations not only disregard the LAW and TESTIMONY, from God’s Word, but are opposed to such a CONTRIBUTION in defending the GOOD NEWS of the GOSPEL which is found in God’s holy word, as long as the MEMBERSHIP grows, and the TITHE keeps rolling in. And even those who still retain the inspired term LAW and TESTIMONY have totally lost sight of its scriptural significance, or will just not speak on the subject due to alienating the tithe payers.

In other words if you are a good person that is all that matters no emphasis on LAW OR TESTIMONY only on one’s given pattern. But The great example which the church should be bound to imitate no matter if you have A 20 members congregation, or A 20,000 members congregation, is Jesus Christ and Him crucified 1 Peter 2:21 says For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.

John 18:37. states Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Romans 13:1-2 says Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

We worship other gods: Money, Clothes, Ourselves, Power and called it an INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO: 1 Timothy 2:5 says, For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. In Matthew 6:24 it tells us No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. and Matt 6:32-33 says For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 4:10, says “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” And that can only be The one and only God who from the very beginning created the heavens and the earth. And we must worship Him only in spirit and in truth, we cannot worship anyone or anything else. Anything or anyone, we worship, other than God, is an idol. Wikipedia defines an idol as an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed or any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. in Luke 4:8 it says Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Matt. 16,26 also states For what is a man profited, if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” .

We have exploited and neglected the poor, and needy and called it: YOUR DREAMS WILL EVENTUALLY COME TRUE, IF YOU PLAY THE LOTTERY. In study after study, the researchers note that lotteries set off a vicious cycle that not only exploits low-income individuals’ desires to escape poverty but also directly prevents them from improving upon their financial situations. a disproportionate number of people who consistently buy lottery tickets tend to be lower-income and working-class people who can least afford it.

Worthless pursuits are often seen as a cause of poverty. Proverbs 28:19 states “Anyone who tills the land will have plenty of bread, but one who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. But when our states and cities lures the poor into these quick scheme money traps. God is not pleased and will hold us as a Nation responsible. The Bible’s position on how we treat the poor throughout its pages, interestingly, it has less to do with the poor than it has to do with us and how we treat them.

There’s no escaping the formula that God gives to our society against the injustice of  the poor in our world today; Yes my friends, We need to help them. instead of placing obstacles in there way like the lottery system that gives them false security. Because as Christians we know the only security we all have is in the loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ  Psalm. 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. But we as A nation have lost site of what it truly means to help someone in need.

The state is now a partner with the gaming industry and all for the perverted attributes that goes into this industry. Everything from drunkenness, to crime and prostitution with the purpose of defrauding the poor and needed of our Nation,”. I can say without a doubt that “This is reprehensible and sinful in the eyes of God.” Isaiah 61:1 states The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.

Now I will ask our Churches regardless of Denominational standings, individual Christians, and politicians what are our responsibilities, or do we have any? You decide today as you ask for Gods direction, as we focus on entering God’s Pure ans Holy Kingdom.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

July 25, 2013

LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS, OR JUST CRAZY TALK

When King asked, Tom Brady “What’s your reaction to Aaron Hernandez’s being arrested and cut from the team, and how will his absence affect your offense?”, Brady replied: “I’ve seen a lot of things over 13 years, and what I have learned is that mental toughness and putting aside personal agendas for what’s in the best interest of the team matters most. My job is to play quarterback, and I’m going to do that the best way I know how, because I owe that to my teammates regardless of who is out there on the field with me. I have moved on.

I’m focusing on the great teammates I have who are committed to helping us win games. The only thing I care about is winning. Nothing is going to ever get in the way of that goal. I’m just excited to report to camp and see what we can accomplish as a team. The fate of our season will be determined by the players in our locker room — nothing else.”

Now let’s reword this interview. using fictitious names. The Interviewer, we will call Mr. I’m all that. The Player we will call: Mr. I Don’t need God in my life because I am a god. First The interviewer: Mr I don’t need God in my life because I am a god, what is your reaction to the weird things that are becoming so prevalent in our society these days. first let’s talk about that Fanatic the one they call Jesus Christ.

What He Has predicted Seems to be coming true when he told us lawlessness would flourished, the love of many would grow cold He even says many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. (laughter ) Who is He suppose to be who would want to be some crazy fanatic who goes around predicting destruction on our great country. He also says you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines,and pestilences,and earthquakes in various places. And all these are the beginning of sorrows.

The late Professor Isaiah who was also one of the many fanatic Christians told us years ago. Woe to those who would begin to call evil good, and good evil; and recognize only darkness for light, and light for darkness; And what was that all about I guess we can call him an old school lunatic (Laughter). And what about the former religious right, aka Tea Party, aka Republicans, whose name is Paul the Apostle, or Saul of Tarsus, Who is now one of the hated Christians he even wrote some chapters in that, well I called it the crazy book, the Bible, He says:

I will quote him using one of his alias names Timothy, And by the way this lunatic is a fugitive from justice, but we can tell his writings anywhere nothing but a lot of crazy talk. He tells us In the last days we would have perilous times. Whatever could he mean by last days, ever day is a last day if you have the misfortune to be in a plane crash (Laughter). He has also predicted in the so called last days that men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,Traitors, heavy, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (laughter again )

He threw in everything but the kitchen sink didn’t he (laughter again) You know this crazy talk is coming from the same mad man who gave us that crazy foolishness in that Crazy book The bible using this time the alias name Corinthians. I believe its in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 His crazy talk this time is the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

(Laughter) Once again he has given us everything but the kitchen sink. But from my opinion, He has really gone to far this time. No wander He’s a fugitive he really needs to be brought to justice for treason. Especially when he say’s the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender People want inherit the kingdom that truly is crazy talk because I’m Gay and I know I am going to heaven when I leave this earth. So Mr. I don’t need God in my life because I am A god. What is your take on all of this Crazy talk.

Mr. I don’t need God in my life because I am a god, speaks: Well Mr I’m all that. I’ve seen a lot over the pass 13 Years. Really haven’t had time to read any of that, what you call it the crazy book, the bible. (Laughter) But what I do know is I really don’t care about all of that crazy talk from a bunch of crazy fanatic’s. I’m rich and famous. And what I have learned is that mental toughness and putting aside personal agendas for what’s in the best interest of the team matters most.

its all about Me and the team we are gods to the world that is all that matter’s Not some crazy fanatic named Jesus Christ, Or Paul who can’t even use his real name in that crazy book you talk about. My job is to play quarterback and make money for me and my family, and I’m going to do that the best way I know how, because I owe that to me my teammates and fans, regardless of what is going on in this world, it really doesn’t effect me I live in a mansion, with guards all around my compound, and no one can get to me, if I don’t let them.

Remember I am a god and no one can hurt me. I have moved on from whatever happens out there in this world. I am only focusing on the great teammates I have who are committed to helping us win games. The only thing I care about is winning. Nothing is going to ever get in the way of that goal. I’m just excited to report to camp and see what we can accomplish as a team. The fate of our season will be determined by the players in our locker room nothing else matters. For we are all gods and that will never change.

Jesus said the world hated him first, so that we should expect that the world will hate us as well. One day soon the world will hate us, and if you are not rooted and grounded in the word of God and His Spirit. You will also fall away from the faith, and fall by the wayside as you allow this world to be your god. The Bible says that due to the increase in wickedness and evil that the love of many will grow cold.

Weather through peer pressure, or just the desire to fit in. My friends I will let you write your own ending. once again Satan As the “god of this world” he has the legitimate right to influence and harass us, if we allow him access to our lives. Remember again God will not force us to Choose Him over Satan. He will never overrule a person’s will. So My Friends your choice your ending.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

July 24, 2013

I WAS SINKING DEEP IN SIN

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, now safe am I. LOVE LIFTED ME

Quicksand: It is usually represented as a deep pool of sandy goo which blends in with its surroundings, lying in wait to slowly suck in anyone who attempts to wander over it. And if you get caught in it, and you have no help to get out. Everything you try to do by yourself only allows the sand to just keep dragging its victims slowly underneath as you sink deeper and deeper, until you become completely submerged.

I think we all identify with that because sometimes, life gets like that when you have allowed the things of this world to occupy your mind and body instead of Christ. And when that happens, it’s easy to lose your focus and get dragged into the abyss of total destruction.  Just like quicksand, sin can have disastrous results. We find that sin is contagious, scandalous, repulsive and complete, if the Good Shepard is not there to rescue one of His lost sheep. Romans 6:23 tells us that ” For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The sinner who never grasped onto the loving arms of Christ is usually lead into the sinking sand of sin. Forced by Satan to go as far as possible until you are completely submerged. Because Sin will always take you farther than you ever thought you would go. Slowly but surely taking control of your mind, and body each day that your eyes are not focused on the Master. Sin will always make your stay a lasting one, much longer than you thought you would stay, oh! i will only take this one drink I am not hurting anyone. Remember the forces of evil have no intentions of ever letting you go until you are completely submerged in sin.

Sin will also cost you far more than you wanted to pay, for it will cost you your life. By allowing Satan one moment of your time, while never becoming aware of the plea’s of God’s Holy Spirit and the saving power of the cross. Your stay will literally last a life time. Satan’s stronghold over us begins when we give Satan permission to enter our lives through disobedience to Gods laws of love. We permit him to take full control of our lives. As the “god of this world” he has the legitimate right to influence and harass us, if we allow him access to our lives.

Remember God will not force us to Choose Him over Satan. if we do not protest by using the armor of Christ salvation, we allow the forces of evil to take over our life, and at that point, Satan has a legal claim to our mind and body because by our choice and only our choice we allowed him to Be our master, and not God. And God will never overrule a person’s will. ‘That’s why it is important to #1. (know who we are in Christ.) John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

#2. (Our rights and privileges.)  Psalm 8:4-6. “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And you have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; you have put all things under his feet.” And last but not least #3 (What power, and authority do we have as Gods children against Satan.) 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

We then have the power through Christ and His Word and Spirit to demolish any, and all arguments, and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. As “heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ” it is important to pray without ceasing, for ourselves and others we love, who maybe blinded by the stronghold of Satan and can’t recognize the forces of evil to get free. As Christians and believers in Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we have the power through Christ to take authority over the enemy.

By calling out His name as Peter. “When he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him. Matt 14:30-31. Remember Our Lord and Savior has proclaim liberty to all who are held captive by Satan. For Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”

Remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was anointed by the Father to proclaim liberty to the captives of Satan to pull us to the shores of safety in His loving arms. Paul tells us in Tim.2:26, “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. “Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves, He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves. He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey, He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.” Love Lifted Me

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

july 23, 2013

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH GODS VOICE

Throughout Scripture we see story after story of God speaking to His Faithful who love Him.

(Abraham),When God called, Abraham believed God and by faith followed God’s instructions. Hebrews 11:8, states that: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whether he went.” (Jacob) Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob You shall no longer be called Jacob, But Israel shall be your name.” Thus He called him Israel. Gen.35:9-10

(Samuel) listens in the darkness. His life had been entrusted to the care of Eli the priest. From his bed he heard a voice calling out to him. twice he went to Eli and ask him if he had called, and Eli said no. On the third time the Lord called, “Samuel”! Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; ”Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling Samuel. So Eli told Samuel, if He calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel laid down. God speaks again, and in a vision tells Samuel that he will become the voice through whom he would speak to his people.

(Moses)The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend Exodus 33:11 (Jeremiah) The word of the Lord came to me, saying “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”Jeremiah 1:4-5 (Paul) He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”Acts 9:4-6

Learning to clearly distinguish God’s voice as the prophets of old would probably guarantee most of the world an easy path to Gods pure and holy kingdom. If we can have the wisdom of Gods actual voice to guide and protect. Our lives, would radically be transformed by reciprocating to the voice of God, as He directs us through life from day to day. Yes The worst situation or circumstances that we as Christians may encounter from day to day, would be one word away from the Lord responding to us as we respond to our children Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

I believe if we could here God’s actual voice, there would be a total turnaround of our lives. just imagine, any problem you might encounter, one face to face word from the Lord will instantly deliver you. (Sickness) Matt 8:6-8 Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word. and my servant will be healed.

(Marital problems) John 4 says: He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true……. Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”.

(financial crisis), in Matt 17:27 it states “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” (food to eat) Matt. 14:17-21 says “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.“Bring them here to me,” He said. And He directed the people to sit down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves….and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied……. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

(Demon possession) Mark 5 tell’s us. Immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling in the tombs……… When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him, and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don’t torment me.” For Christ said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”…….The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs.

Today We may not always here the voice of our Lord and Savior. But the Lord always here’s our voice. “I am the Good Shepherd. , “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.

In order for us to actually hear God’s voice, we must recognize it. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Those who hear God’s voice are those who walk in the footsteps of God, and who have been saved by the transforming power of His love and grace through faith. These are the sheep who hear and recognize His voice,who comes when He calls and follow Him wherever He goes because they know He will protect them.

He is there Shepherd there comforter in their time of need they know His voice and respond to Him when He calls. If we are to recognize God’s voice, we must also belong to Him. and only him “The sheep can not worship or follow two sheperd’s at once. either you will Love one Shepard, and end up hating the other. Or have adoration for one, only to fill contempt for the other. we also hear His voice when we spend time in deep heartfelt prayer, Bible study, and just quiet contemplation of His Word, as we focus on His desire for our lives and how we can give Him the praise, honor and glory.

The more time we spend intimately with God and His Word, the easier it is to distinguish His voice and His leading in our lives, from the forces of evil. Employees at an airport are trained to recognize counterfeit ID’s by studying genuine id’s so closely from various states, and countries, that it will be unimaginable not to recognized a fake one, simply because they have studied diligently the real from the fake. And we should also as Christians, and children of God be so familiar with God’s Word, and voice that when God does speak to us or directs us as we study His word , it will be absolutely clear that it is God’s voice who we here. And in so doing, it will verify in our minds, any, and all, truth from error.

But my friends while God is God and He speaks to us as He chooses, His primarily source of communication is through His Word, and Spirit, and if we have a sincere, and A heartfelt prayer life, while applying through faith, what we read in God’s Word, we will never get it wrong, when we here the good Shepard’s voice.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

July 22, 2013

JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW , FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Gen 1:1 “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5

“The creative force that brought about the existence of our world is the Word, And the Word is God. The Word at the beginning of John 1 is linked by this passage to the first words spoken by God at the beginning, when he says “‘Let there be light’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) “Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, and received into the soul, and it also brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms our nature, and re-creates our character into the image of God.”-Ellen G. White.

The world was created by the Spoken Word of God (Genesis 1). This world and the very existence of life was conceived by God in the spirit, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Gen 1:2.) So what this tells me as a Child of God, is that God’s Word brings about real transformation since God is the Word. But that transformation can only come about when we give it all to the master and then ask God our Creator to recreate our mind and body in His image.

But we also must have faith and believe. faith in God is all about asking God for what we want and believing we will receive it, as we allow our focus, to bring Glory and honor to Him. And once our lives are transformed then we will begin to understand through faith in the Word of God, that a miracle has truly taken place in our lives. Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17-18 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God. who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation”

And once we have completely given it all to the master we allow His full armor of righteousness to protect us against the forces of evil who’s only goal is to destroy us. And we must always remember that The Word of God is the foundation that transforms our lives, and when the mind is saturated with the Word. A transformed life brought on by the Word of God is the greatest confirmation of a true renewal of our character.

And When our character is rooted in the Word of God, and continues to be rooted, it is an experience that lasts throughout our lives here on earth and will also carry us throughout the cessless ages of Eternity. Also if we lack knowing the knowledge in Gods word, due to the fact that we allowed the things of this world to become detrimental to our salvation, because they were more important than studying the Word of God and doing His will. Than if that is the case, our warning comes from God, in the book of Hosea when he says  “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

Also Paul states Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word about Christ. God says whosoever believes on His Son, Has pardon obtained and a new life begun; His sins blotted out, not by aught he has done, But thru’ faith in the Word of God! Romans 10:17. states. Gods Word, The only Begotton Son of God died in our place on Calvary so we could live with Him in His pure and holy kingdom Oh what love But it did not end with His death on the cross.

He rose again and the word still lives! Yes He lives. And I serve that same risen Savior because He is in my life today. I know that He is living in me, no matter what men may say. I know He lives inside of me, because I see His hand of mercy grace and love as I begin to truly hear, and feel God and His Word, while allowing my faith to grow in His grace. And once we continue to focus on Christ and His word. We will find that God will glorify Himself in us through His Word, and we have God’s assurance, which is based totally on His love for us BECAUSE THE BIBLE TELLS US SO. Paul also tells us in

Romans 5:7-9 “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” And through our faith in God and His word the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, praise and glorify Him no mater what situation or circumstances we may find ourself in.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:17-19 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Paul also tells us in Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

And So my friends remember that JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO And because of His love Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:10-14 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession to the praise of his glory.

So my Friends, Today, please accept Christ invitation. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev. 3:20

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

MOVING INTO UNCHARTERED TERRITORY

Devotion For July 21, 2013

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?………………. Jeremmiah 12:5

The 2012 summer Olympics, track and field events  started August 3rd in London. The anticipation was great; the field never seemed as talented as it did this year. We witnessed Usain Bolt’s “double-treble,” which the term implies three sporting victories or championships in the same season– Mo Farah’s double, Allyson Felix’s treble, and David Rudisha’s historic 800-meter win.

But today I will deal with only the latter, David Rudisha’s historic 800 meter win on the 9^th of August 2012. Rudisha led this amazing race from start to finish, winning the gold, in what was acclaimed, “The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever”.

Many were astonished by what Rudisha accomplished, as he led the race from start, to the finish, while running a series of split times that defied everyone’s expectation; 23.30sec for 200m, 49.28sec for 400m, 1min 14.30sec for 600m. And on he went, as His long muscular stride carried him effortlessly along the track.

Finally, as he moved around the final bend, it became clear this was history in the making, As the 80,000 audience erupted, he continued to pull away until the final straight, where second place Nigel Amos was unable to gain any ground. But the gap was much too great to close, and Rudisha crossed the line in a world-record time, 1:40.91. They say David Rudisha is “the greatest runner you’ve never heard of”.

That is the line that has been stated by the writers at the BBC, Vanity Fair and others in weeks leading up to the Olympics.But now, Rudisha is a household name; the greatest 800m runner in history. And he did not need a close competitor pushing him to reach 600m in 1:14.30. To put that in perspective, the split from 400-to-600 is surely one of the fastest of all time for that juncture of any race.

Rudisha stunningly pulled that off after blazing through the first 400 meters. Finally, no rest was necessary to finish  the race. His legs remained just as fresh during the last 200 meters, as they were at the first 200m. At the same time, his form remained absolutely flawless.

In an event that is absolutely grueling. And yes without a doubt we can say, that David Rudisha took the 800-meter running to an entirely new level. Rudisha also pulled the entire field around behind him. Great Britain’s Andrew Osagie finished eighth, in 1min 43.77sec.

No one has ever run faster to finish last in an 800m final. His was one of seven personal bests set in the race, along with two national records. Then the odd man out, Rudisha’s great rival, Abubaker Kaki,  had to settle for a season’s best  seventh place.

The fact is there is no one that we know in the world of track and field who can catch Rudisha. As I witnessed this race myself, I was listening to one of the broadcasters on the NBC affiliate station as they were describing history in the making. His words went something like this,

“We have certainly entered into unchartered territory, in that David Rudisha ended his race just as fast as he started it and that is unheard of in the 800m run. Usually a runner at that distance loses a stride or two into that final stretch, but not Rudisha; his final stride was just as strong as his first.” So today I put this in a Christian’s perspective.

For each of us who are looking for Christ soon return, as we come into that final stretch to the finish line, we must ask ourselves; Are we in “unchartered territory?” Are we moving just as strong  in finishing up Christ work here on earth as we did when we first started this race? With the help of the Spirit of God, are we spreading the good news of Christ saving grace to our friends, family, love one’s, co-workers, and a world that has lost sight of the saving grace of our savior?

Are we constantly asking the question; what must I do to be saved and enter into Gods pure and holy society? Unchartered territory! Yes, that is where we must be in our final stretch today. Our desire, our goals, our passion, our focus, our faith, our endurance, our prayers, and the never ending study of God’s word, must never waver from when we started, as we come into the final bend of earth’s history.

To finish this race will be very grueling, but we must  never forget that this race has already been won on Calvary. We just have to believe and trust God that he is in control of our destiny if we will only give it all to Him.

And like David Rudisha, we must pull the field around behind us, by keeping everyone encouraged, by always reminding the rest of the field, that once we cross that finish line no matter what place you come in at, if you have faith, and believe, and stay focused, and study the course which is the word of God, we all will receive the same, that ultimate prize, which is eternal life. For we must never forget Phil. 3:14; “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. So my friends today, Remain faithful as we enter into “unchartered territory.”

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

July 20, 2013

WHAT ARE YOUR MARCHING ORDERS

As a story is told about the duke of Wellington who was once present where a party of Christian men were discussing the possibility of success in missionary effort among the heathen. They appealed to the duke to say whether in his judgment such efforts were likely to prove success commensurate to the cost, the old soldier replied:

“Gentlemen, what are your marching orders? Success is not the question for you to discuss. If I read your orders aright, they run thus, ‘go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’ Gentlemen, obey your marching orders.’ So the secret to every Christian’s success in his or her mandate from God,

will be found in the harmonious and daily working of all Christians along with the Holy Spirit in the finishing up of Gods work regardless of what this world deems as success. Therefore, in the sense of a vital faith and genuine obedience and indomitable courage embracing the total stewardship of life, may it be said of us at Christ soon return, They did go tirelessly into all the world to preach my gospel.

While much of the fruit of our labor will not be apparent in this life, God’s workers have His sure promise of ultimate success. As the world’s redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work which He longed to do in uplifting and saving souls. Satanic agencies were constantly working to obstruct His way. But He would not be discouraged.

For He would forever stay focused on His mission, which was Calvary and our Salvation. in 1 Timothy 2:1-5 it says First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, Godly and dignified in every way.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

So therefore our responsibility  and duty as Christians as we enter into the last phase of this life’s history before Christ soon return, is to make saving souls our No. one priority.

As Christians we must have a passion engrossed with love, and A Heartfelt and concentrated zeal for saving souls as we follow Christ mandate To take the “Gospel of the kingdom throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

and in so doing you have put before the heavenly courts an insurmountable source of power which comes directly from God’s Holy Spirit.  A power that is engrossed with love, as God loved. When we as Christians follow the course set before us by God, our focused must never waiver it must be all about Christ and His will for us in spreading the good news of His soon coming to the World.

For with each passing day There are family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and A world that is loosing site of Gods saving grace and mercy. As Mrs. White speaks of  “A train of cars that were  shown her, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade her to look carefully. As she fixed her eyes upon the train.

It seemed that the whole world was on board. Then he showed her the conductor, a fair, stately person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, It is Satan. He is the conductor, in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive.

They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie that they may be damned. His agent, the highest in order next to him, is the engineer, and others of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.

Then she asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me to look in the opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united by the truth. This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts.

And it appeared as if the sun had just arisen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant as if their victories were nearly won.” My Friends time is running out we only have a short time to do Gods will, and to rescue souls off of the train to perdition.  So, let us all say as Paul says,

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” It is up to us to “proclaimed it throughout the world as a testimony to all nations” as we near the finish line. So today Let’s give it all to the Master and finish up His work so when Christ comes as peter says in 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” friends I look forward to that day, and I hope you do also.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

July 18, 2013

IS THE ROAD TO THE KINGDOM, THROUGH THE POOR ?

“To accept passively an unjust system is to cooperate with that system; thereby the oppressed become as evil as the oppressor”. Martin Luther King Jr. “It takes a village originated with the teachings of Jesus. But the village must be an environment in which families and individuals are supported and strengthened by each of us whose goal it is to walk the same path as Christ walked to Calvary.

With the current cuts in federal programs, more and more people are being turned away from shelters, and government programs. And at a time when the economy is bad, the unemployment rate is high, and people keep losing their homes. But of course the foolish rhetoric of our country is a total cover up of the basic rights of all, and will eventually leave only To two classes, the rich, and the poor. not the Black and White

“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.” Martin Luther King Jr.. In the days of Amos, God accuses the rich of even making “the poor of the land to fail.” By bringing them down to such a low poverty level that they never could escape from it.

So what this tells me is that the poor will always suffer more severely in a godless nation. As the majority of the One per center’s, throughout the world we live in, believe only in the god of money. But If I am not mistaken, In God We Trust is still on our currency, but whose god.

Not the God I serve, who died on the cross for all, which includes the rich and the poor. As we get closer to Christ return many of our church doors are even being locked to the poor. When someone phone’s a church asking for help, they are usually sent  to a shelter, or an agency which the government funds, which most on the religious right wants to cut the funding for.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. “I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Martin Luther King Jr. In Proverbs it also states “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31.

As Christians we must individualized our stance on our compassion for others as Christ did and hope it will catch own to others as we spread Gods word. For “He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth, and he who gives gifts to the rich both come to poverty.” Proverbs 22:16

Ezekiel says it best in Ezekiel 16:49-50 “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.”

God states clearly that he destroyed Sodom’s sins because of their pride, and their excess of food while the poor and needy suffered. The bible maintains a clear position on the poor throughout its pages, and, interestingly, it has less to do with them than it has to do with us and how we treat the poor.

In Deuteronomy 15:11 it says There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Christians are commanded to help one another but we are also called to help those who are less fortunate than we are.

Proverbs 21:13 is among the most powerful calls from God to help those who are hungry because “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” 1 John 3:17 states that, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him ?” As a nation, when we allow the poor to suffer. One day soon.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. He will sit on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people, one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And He will say………

“I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:31-40 As Christians We must not forget our eternal destiny is shaped by how we treat the poor and needy. We don’t get into heaven, by going to church, or by being moral. We don’t even get  into heaven by being good.

No! we only get into heaven by loving as Christ loved, and Caring as Christ cared, especially for the vulnerable and needy. Even when this is not spiritually motivated, by our churches, or those around us. It must be an individual heartfelt concern. That only comes about by walking with God each and every day. And as we make this walk it determines our eternal destiny. For everyone who takes a daily walk with God, has within themselves the capacity to love everyone, as Christ loved.

Dr. King, always a believer in nonviolent civil disobedience, spent his last months organizing the national Poor People’s Campaign, which sought to bring low-income Americans from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. As he focused on poverty he also dramatize the pressing need for jobs, income, healthcare, and housing; as he also raise essential questions about the gap between the rich and poor in America.

But forty five years later, America still has not gotten it, even though we are at a crossroad in history, as we move further into the 21 century, and  Christ soon return. “All too many of those who live in affluent America ignore those who exist in poor America ”Martin Luther King, Jr.

And today my friends I don’t speak to the world or to the “fool who says in his heart, “There is no God.” For They are corrupt, their deeds are vile…”Ps. 14:1. But I speak to the Christian whose destiny is Gods pure and holy kingdom. Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Luke says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…. ” (Luke 4:18).

And once we as Christians have taken care of one’s physically needs it will be easy to lead them to the love of Christ, because they already see Christ in us. So as the world moves farther and farther away  from Gods will and responsibility to the poor. Ask yourself  how can I as a Christian keep from “conforming to the pattern of this world, as I transform my mind, and character as I carry out Gods will in my life.

And in the end, the Master will say to me, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY