MY FRIENDS, WE ALL HAVE BECOME DROWSY AND FALLEN ASLEEP!!

You know the story, you’ve heard it throughout your life since childhood, so I am not going to start from the beginning of Christ parable of the five foolish and five wise virgins, I am going to start at the point when “they all became drowsy and fell asleep”

Then, when they were least expected, there was the sound of a mighty rushing wind and it was closer now than it had ever been in the past and through that wind and turmoil of this world somehow they even thought they could hear the trumpet of Gabriel calling it is midnight, it is midnight, it is time to go home.

In addition, your Savior approaches with thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand of His celestial choir singing holy, holy, holy unto the “Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world.”

All of a sudden the dead in Christ rises to meet him in the air along with all the faithful who endured till the end. At that point “all ten of the virgins wake up and begin to trim their lamps realizing the dream was a warning.

The foolish virgins then say to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out, the Bridegroom will be here soon. It’s amazing “they all became drowsy and fell asleep” at the same time, also all ten of the virgins had the same dream at the same time, as the parable continues in Matt. 25:9-12 (NIV) the wise virgins reply “No!!!

[There may not be enough for all of us if we give you part of ours]. Therefore go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” But while they were on their way to buy the oil the bridegroom arrived [and] The wise virgins who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet. And [my friends] the door was shut.

“Later the [foolish virgins] returned. [knocking on the door frantically, just like when Noah shut the door of the ark, at that point it is to late, the unrighteous will remain unrighteous, their fate is sealed but they still cry out “Lord, Lord, open the door for us!”

“But [the Bridegroom] replied, [the saddest words, they had ever heard repeated] “I don’t know you.” [because you never witnessed too my sheep, or fed my flock when they were hungry and thirsty or provided shelter and clothes for them and you never visited the sick or those in prison. And why was my time and money squandered on the foolishness of this world?

Yes, “I do not know you.” My friends we have “all become drowsy and fallen asleep” while the prophecy of Matt. 24 is being played out before our eyes as nations rise against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms, famines throughout the world especially for the word of God, earthquakes in various places.

Consistent with this, Crime and corruption is abounding as wickedness increases and the love of most grows colder and colder each day. Yes my friends, we have “become drowsy and fallen asleep” But God’s grace have not left us because if we are God’s chosen, we still here that still small voice that is telling us to “come out of Babylon.”

Please come out and do not share in her sins and if you come out and unto me “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the [promise]land…and you will be my people, and I will be your God.” Ezekiel 36:26-28 (NIV) Wake up my friends, wake up! and “keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” that the trumpet of Gabriel will sound “The midnight cry”

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

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Feb. 20, 2015

MY FRIENDS, ON THE AUCTION BLOCK, BUT LOVE REDEEMED US!!!

My Friends, today we as God’s chosen have been summons to appear in court. Charges have been brought against us for crimes that dates back for decades at a time when we were slaves and hardened addicts, with our drug of choice being sin.

Then something drastic happen in our lives and we became free by the blood of the lamb. But now we stand at the auction block chained and captured once again, property of the “accuser of our brethren” because somehow our mind is no longer “on things above, but only on earthly things.” Today our freedom is on the line, auctioned off for the highest price.

But at this point in our life we are really valuable to no one, so the auctioneer will be content to get whatever he can because sin has taken its toll on our mind and body. The bidding begins. A fallen Man or Woman he shouts!!! A perfect slave to sin, capable of doing exactly what you ask of him as long as sin can control.

We now stand without hope, with no joy, about to be sold to the highest bidder. We now look back over our life when we first became a slave to sin, we were on top of the world, or so we thought, but now look at us a sad excuse even for a slave on the auction block, as we bow our head in shame.

But then, someone steps forward as the auctioneer say’s what is your bid sir for this perfect slave to sin? that’s strange the bidder doesn’t say a word, he only holds up his hands, He is now pointing to a scare on his brow, He now pushes back his robe and shows a deep imprint in his side.

No words are exchange, we have never seen this Person before but we do recognize the voice, a voice that has never ceased throughout our life to say, give me your all, I love you. The chains on our hands, and feet mysteriously falls to the ground as all the other buyers “slip away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only that voice that never left us or forsaked us is left.

Then we hear that celestial voice say, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” and now we know who that voice belongs too, so we say,  “No Lord,” and our Savior says, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

My friends, we have been bought and redeemed by love, now it’s personal So “all to Jesus I surrender all to him I freely give I will ever love and trust him in his presence daily live. All to Jesus I surrender humbly at his feet I bow worldly pleasures all forsaken take me, Jesus, take me now.”

Yes my friends, once we realized the price Christ paid for us so that we can say with full assurance that we have been redeemed should bring a “passion within [our] heart that [we] have never known before.” and once we freely surrender it all to the Master, and continue to die daily, we will then, truly know through our faith and endurance and God’s grace and mercy what it truly means to be free.

So we must praise Him day and night. For I am a personnel witness to how far He came to the auction block just to set me free so now “(I), count myself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore (I) do not let sin reign in (my) mortal body so that (I) will continue (to) obey its evil desires.

(And  I) Do not offer any part of (myself) to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather (I) offer (myself) to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and (I) offer every part of (myself) to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be (my) master….” Romans 6:11-14

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

MY FRIENDS, ONLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS CAN WE BE SAVED!!

Let’s focus today on the name Jesus Christ and our Salvation. Going to Acts 3 Peter and John enter the temple. And a man being lane from birth, stands at the gate asking for money. Peter tells him, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.

But, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them walking, leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:6-8 (NKJV)

My friends, He did not enter the temple walking, leaping, and praising Peter or John or Buddha or Allah but only God. And that tells us, all we do or ask in Christ name should only be about given God the glory and honor.

The people were amazed at the man’s healing, but Peter asked, “Why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?”

He assured them Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied as the Son of God is the one who made this happen, but because you were ignorant of who Christ was, today “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”

But as they continued to speak they were arrested for preaching of Christ and His resurrection and were Brought the next day before the same leaders that had sent Christ to be crucified by the Romans, Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas.

Oh the mercy and grace of God to still give these supposedly men of God a chance to repent for crucifying His Son. But once again they denied the presence of Christ. My friends, Do we also continued to deny Christ presence by not allowing Him to completely transform us into His image?

How long my friends will we waver between Christ and the world? The disciples are then asked “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Now, the same Peter who had turned his back on Christ and denied Him when Christ needed Him the most, now has a second chance to defend His Savior.

“Being filled by the Holy Spirit Peter now speaks with authority because on this day all fear of death is Gone because He knows His Savior lives as he tells the assembly “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

This same name is the only one that we seem to always use to swear by, it is the only name that Satan uses to produce so much hate in the world. No other name do we annihilate, or obliterate like the one and only name that can give us salvation.

Oh what power, what hope, what grace, what love, what faith, what endurance and humility behind a name. And I can say this with full assurance because in just that name I have gone from someone who was on the road to perdition, to someone who eats, and breathes the awesome power of that name.

In addition, I pray my friends that you can say the same along with the reformed alcoholics, the cleansed prostitutes, the clean junkie, the thief on the cross, and the lame man that was healed by Peter in Acts 3. And along with that name we can also say with no reservation.

“Our hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, [our] righteousness; [we] dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. When darkness veils His lovely face, [we] rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, [our] anchor holds within the veil.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may [we] then in Him be found; In Him, [our] righteousness, alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.”

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

Feb. 18, 2015

MY FRIENDS SIMPLE LESSON, “THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S” IF WE BELIEVE!!

“So Saul clothed David with his armor, and he put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off” 1 Sam. 17:38 (NKJV)

Focus on what Saul is trying to do My friends. He believes faith can be outsourced like some commodity, but David knew where his faith lade. Saul, as leader of the army of the living God, why did He not put on his own armor and go out and fight Goliath.

Simple answer my friends, He had no faith. But David a youth “a man after God’s on heart” knew “Both riches and honor come from [God] And [God] reigns over all. In [His] hand is power and might; In [His] hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 1 Chron. 29:12 (NKJV)

Please, focus on the words in that text, because that is a promise from an all knowing, all powerful, Omnipresent God. In addition, if we are “strong and courageous and not afraid or terrified because of them, the Lord our God will go with us. In addition, never leaving nor forsaking His Faithful” Deu. 31:6 (KJV Paraphrased) and David knew this, so He tells Saul. “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them”

My friends, in other words this is not the direction God has told me to walk in and David did know God, for he tells Saul, I know God because “your servant used to keep [my] father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.

Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 2 Sam. 17:34 (NKJV) Oh the power of faith a man or woman who has died to self and allowed the Spirit of God to Transform them into the image of God.

So my friends, David listens to God, because He knew that this victory must be about giving God all the Glory and honor not himself. That my friends is the key to all of our victories, it must be all about God because “this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, he heareth us:” 1 John 5:14 (KJV)

But my friends our victories must be “according to His will” not ours. So David goes out to fight the Giant Goliath in the name of God and he stops along the way and picks up “five smooth stones from the brook and his sling is already in hand” along with His faith which was his most important weapon.

So David faces Goliath with a stone, a sling and His faith in God  as he tells the Giant “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Sam. 45-47 (NKJV) My friends, Simple lesson today, our Battles are the Lords, if we believe.

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

Feb. 17, 2015

MY FRIENDS, ALL WHO CARRY THE CROSS, ARE SET FOR EXTERMINATION!!!

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Eph 6:12-13 (NKJV)

My friends it seems that the entire world is terrified of ISIS the (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), their latest rant and rhetoric is “Oh people, recently you have seen us on the hills of Al-Sham and Dabiq’s plain, chopping off the heads that have been carrying the cross for a long time.

In addition, they tell us, and today we are on the south of Rome, on the land of Islam, Libya, sending another message. All crusaders: safety for you will be only wishes especially if you are fighting us all together.”

Their objective it seems, is too demoralize the Christian community or the faithful who have been carrying the cross. “homes of Christians are being marked with this Arabic letter ‘n,’ marking them for extermination.

My friends, ISIS is not my focus today, but the faithful few who are disciples, standing with Christ, fighting Satan all-together and carrying the cross. So friends, let’s make it personal and ask ourselves today, am I a disciple of Christ and if we have no answer then we need to define what makes one a disciple of Christ.

Luke tells us in Luke 14:27 (NKJV) “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” So how would ISIS or anyone else recognize someone who is carrying the cross of Christ? John 15:8 (NIV) Christ tells us “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

And my friends, these fruits, “are the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law…..” Gal 5:22-24 (NKJV)

And if you are a disciple of Christ “ye will [also] obey [His] voice indeed, and keep [His] covenant, [and] ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Ex. 19:5 (KJV)

My friends, if you are marked for extermination by ISIS, or Satan, you are one of God’s “peculiar treasures” “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) who’s light from Christ through you will shine throughout a darken world.

Webster tells us, peculiar: is someone who is distinctive in nature or character from others. Which means what we do or say or think or wear or eat is peculiar, simply because we have been 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, who loved [us] and gave himself for [each of us].” Gal 2:20 (NIV) I constantly bring this text before you because there is no Salvation and life eternal if self is not completely eliminated and Christ has taken total control of every aspect of our life.

In addition, before this can happen there must be a passion to make heaven our home and “every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, [must be eliminated from our lives as we] run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Heb 12:1 (NKJV)

My friends, The closer we get to Christ soon coming, the busier Satan seems to be getting in shielding us, from being a “peculiar treasure” in the sight of God. So today we must reevaluate where our focus must be.

In addition, it can no longer be “our will, but the will of the one who gave it all for us on Calvary, so today and forever, we must seek God’s Spirit as we stay in His presence while keeping “God’s word hid in our heart, that we might not sin against Him. Ps. 119:11 (KJV)

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

MY FRIENDS, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!!!

Our greatest need  as a Child of God, and as a member of the Church of the Living God, is Restoration, Revival, and a Spiritual Presence In a world where sin thrives for superiority ever since Satan declared in his heart: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Isaiah 14:13-15 (KJV) And so the controversy begins and the plan of Salvation was put into place.

In addition, God revealed His plan to Adam and Eve which states “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (KJV)

Consistent with this, man’s Greatest Need is fulfilled through Jesus Christ who is sent to be among us. Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) also tells us “…Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us” who is “God’s only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)

Oh what a gift He gives to fallen man and my friends “whoever believes in this gift shall not perish but have everlasting life” and the good news, there is no economic or racial distinction in who receives everlasting life, you just have to believe.

Yes my friends, the only criteria is that you believe in a Savior that died on Calvary and a Father who “raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” Acts 2:24 (NIV)

And if we believe with a passion in a risen Savior, it will also be impossible for death do to the consequences of our sin to keep its hold on His children. My Friends, God’s presence is among us along with His passion, His character, His hope, His love for others, His focus, His faith, His endurance and His Humility.

In addition, once we “have been crucified with Christ and [we] no longer live, but Christ lives in [us, then] the life we now live in the body, we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved [us] and gave himself for [His faithful].” Gal. 2:20 (NIV)

Oh what precious hope, if we believe and seek the presence of a Son and a Father who allowed His Son to “bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; and “by his wounds [we] have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Also, when we as mere mortals take a moment to just focus on what those words mean and what redeeming power in the presence of our Father and Son and the Spirit which “guides us into all understanding,” should give us all the more reasons to serve as we tell the world of this wonderful message that Jesus lives and He also saves.

Yes Salvation is a free Gift for everyone from God, but because of the price that was paid for us on Calvary, we must give Him our all, because we were “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 [our] despairing cry and From the waters He lifted each of us who believes, now safe are we” My friends, there is No greater love.

And if we stay faithful and endure, “In our Fathers house are many mansions; that now wait for His faithful that our Savior [went and] “prepared for us. And one day soon He will come again and receive us unto Himself; that where He is, there we may be also.” John 14:2-3 (KJV Paraphrased)

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

MY FRIENDS WHAT RADICAL CHANGES ARE WE WILLING TO MAKE TO ENTER THE PROMISE LAND?

Can we say today with full assurance we are a child of God and our passion is to live in the presence of God today, tomorrow and throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. If this is our hope and desire there must be some radical changes in our life.

Radical tells us that we are going to do “something to the extreme, especially in regards to change from the accepted or traditional forms” Webster also tells us radical is a basis for a foundation”, or a turning point where we have decided to allow self to die completely as Christ then becomes the foundation of our life, a life of servitude and commitment to others.

“The Saviour’s life on earth was not a life of ease and devotion to Himself, but He toiled with persistent, earnest, untiring effort for the salvation of lost mankind. From the manger to Calvary He followed the path of self-denial and sought not to be released from arduous tasks, painful travels and exhausting care and labor.

He said, “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (JKV) This was the one great object of His life. Everything else was secondary and subservient.

It was His meat and drink to do the will of God and to finish His work. Self and self-interest had no part in His labor.” (E. G. White Christ Object Lessons pp 78)

As Christians we must individualized our stance and compassion for others as Christ did and hope it will catch own to others as we spread Gods word. “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 (KJV)

As Christians We must not forget our eternal destiny is shaped by our commitment to serve as Christ served, not on how many times we went to church, or sung with the praise team. Those mansions our Savior left this earth to go and prepare are only for the redeemed to live in whose character has been washed in the blood of Christ.

In addition, who also loved and cared for others using Christ as our example, not when it was convenient for us or between our favorite TV shows, but whenever Christ calls and wherever He sends we must be prepared for an unrestricted commitment and a passion to serve that only comes about by walking with God each day and as we make that walk it will determine our eternal destiny.

For everyone who takes that walk has within themselves the capacity to love as Christ loved. Today my friends, let’s ask ourselves how can we as God’s chosen keep from “conforming to the pattern of this world, as we carry out Gods will in our life and once we have made the right decision, one day soon the Master will say to us, ‘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 friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Feb. 14, 2015

MY FRIENDS, WE SIT, WE WAIT, WE PRAY, BUT NO ANSWER, WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

“In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness; My soul refused to be comforted” Ps. 77:1-2 ((NKJV) My friends, What are our options in a trying season of waiting when God’s voice is silent?

[Is God] telling us to go? [Is He] telling us to stay? [Is He] telling us to hold on to Him for another day? [Because at this point we have] nothing left, [we are] hanging by a thread, here again, here at [our end] Where You begin,” so we need you just to get through [this situation or circumstances], because we are breaking underneath it all.” (Mandisa,-Where You begin)

My friends, this was David’s cry as he was seeking to find why God had deserted him as he stretches out his hands to the heavens where he knows His God resides, but there is silence he goes on in verse 4 telling us,  that he is so consumed with sorrow and grief, that he cannot even speak.

But then something happens in the midst of His sorrow, a song goes through his head in the night as he meditates in deep heartfelt prayer and now he looks back at where God has brought him, “I call to remembrance my song in the night” and then he remembers a gracious God a God who would never leave nor forsake His faithful.

In addition, in verse 14 and 15 he tells God “You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples [in times past].…” My friends have you noticed also, it is not all about David and his needs, but as a leader and king He prays for a nation.

In addition, he prays for family, friends, love one’s those who are on the battle field for the Lord, his subjects and servants in and outside of his royal court. My friends, we live in the 21st century “where the love of many grows cold,” and in the midst of it all we are seeking God’s voice in the middle of our storm.

consistent with this, God’s grace is gradually being withdrawn from man because they “did not listen to [God’s] voice, “So He has given  them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk in their own devices.” Ps. 81:11-12 (NSAB)

My friends, in spite of, God still has work to be done, we still needs to tell the world to come out of Babylon because it is falling, but Jesus will still save if you believe. Never doubt God does hear us, He is directing our footsteps for He “knows the plans that He has for us,… ‘plans for [our] welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11 (NSAB)

The storms of life are infinite when we think of one’s problems within the interaction of our day to day life and how we as Christians relate or handle each situation or circumstances that arises. But the story cannot end with no hope because of the silence when we seek answers from God.

In addition, we can never forget we serve a God who is unlimited, unmeasurable, and infinite in regards to what He is capable of doing for His faithful. But key words faithful and consistent in our commitment to serve Christ as we carry our cross.

Remember God is not like instance coffee, two teaspoon in a cup of water, two minutes in the microwave, and the process is complete. But if you are a Child of the King, sometimes our prayer request can take a day, a week, or a season and sometime they are never answered.

But what are our options in a trying season of waiting? Well we must first remember, God loves us and only wants to save us and He will if we give it all to Him. So our options are to stay faithful and endure to the end, because God will supply all of our needs, not just our wants, on our journey to the promise land.

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