Jeremiah's work.

Our church will begin its monthly study. The subject is the prophet, Jeremiah.
I am eager to get involved with this study primarily because of Jeremiah's difficult service to God.
I appreciate his work in a personal type of way, much like I also appreciate the work of the New Testament Apostle, Paul.  Both men endured extremely difficult life experiences speaking God's will toward the people.

These days we live in many of the self proclaimed faithful have ignored instruction from those Paul warned of in Galatians 1: 6-9.

Faithful shall keep the Commandments of the Lord Jesus.  When asked which was the greatest commandment we read in Matthew 22: 37-40 what Jesus said.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Jeremiah had not the benefit of knowing Jesus in the flesh, but he did know God through His Holy Spirit.
He warned the nation of Israel to turn back to God before judgement befell them.  He did so to find himself in prison for doing it.  He was beaten physically and rejected.  None the less his warnings to the people happened just as he said them.  Jeremiah's prophecies extended beyond his current time, they can be read in the later parts of the book Jeremiah.

As difficult as it is for me to know that there are those that do not believe in God because of prophets like Jeremiah, it is almost impossible for me to wrap my head around the fact that many Christians behave much like the nation of Israel did during the time of Jeremiah during his warnings.  Even with the teachings of Paul!

I thank God for Paul because in his words spoken and written to the Greeks in Acts 17:30.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:

The enemy of man has been hard at work in distracting all of humanity.  His corrupt spirit has taken hold of many preachers accused by Paul in Galatians 1:6-7.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

I am not interested in offending others unless of course the offense drives them to the truth of Christ and His Gospel of God's Kingdom coming.  But if we are to observe the last days of the Pope's travels recently, it would appear that men have turned to worship another man by considering him to be more than a man coming to say a few words amidst political advice given on the foolishness of the earth's climate. I know would like to think that the man known as the Pope would know God's word. Revelation 11:18 clearly says the world will not be destroyed by man, but that God will intervene before man can do so.

 Isaiah 5: 20-23 There are a lot of "Woes" being tossed around in Isaiah's prophecy and they sound like they are meant for us.  Go read of them if you don't believe me.

My soul clings to Acts 17:30.  Here is why:  Today I was invited to a Baptism which I couldn't attend.
I worked on this day as God's first day of the week.  My wife, Tracy however did attend.  The person being baptized is a young woman we have become fond of recently.  Grace is our neighbor, and she has decided to know Jesus.  However upon arriving, the sign on the church said, "Welcome, come meet with the Lord of the Sabbath,"  or something to that effect.  The ceremony was good, and the music was very good. Then there was a southern BBQ serving pork. What is wrong with this picture?

Exodus 31:16 mentions the Sabbath, Leviticus 11:7 mentions that swine is unclean. Amos 5 discusses all that we celebrate, and that being all the Lord despises.

Jeremiah's work will never be done.  It was meant for his day as it is meant for our day.
The question at the end of today's study of Jeremiah asked, Will we listen today?
Obviously the answer is NO they won't.

For those counting on our government to fix things, well let us keep in mind, we select our government.
It isn't likely that our government is going to fix anything, in fact times ahead will worsen. 
Get your house in order!  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is coming and He will rule when those that once stood for freedom have failed.

Pastor Martin
 

Spiritual Gifts

I was involved in a social media conversation which ultimately lead up to a pretty interesting proposal.
A scientist type of fellow was interested in setting up an experiment which might encourage skeptics of the Christian faith to examine findings for proof that God exists.

The particular gift I am speaking about is that of speaking in tongues.

Before I go too deeply into my thoughts about this experiment I'd like to give note to the Biblical discussion of gifts as stated by Paul the Apostle.

1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we may know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1 Corinthians 12 is the Chapter in which Paul explains each of the nine gifts given by the Spirit.

1 Word of wisdom
2 Word of knowledge
3 Faith
4 Healing
5 Working of miracles
6 Prophecy
7 Discerning of Spirits
8 Diverse kinds of Tongues
9 Interpretation of Tongues

Before and after Paul names the Spiritual Gifts he is very specific about who gives them and why he gives them.

1 Corinthians 12:6
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:11
But all these worketh that one and same self Spirit, dividing to every man severally, as he will.

In all Biblical reading I have done in both OT and NT these gifts given to men are always given for proof of God's existence, or that of Jesus as the Messiah's existence.  An example of wanting to use these gifts for self aggrandizement is also noted in the Bible here: Acts 8: 18-23

Let me be clear about operations of Spiritual Gifts given by the Spirit of God.
No man by his own choice can activate any of these gifts without Holy Spirit instruction, or assistance.
These are not actions or doings solely of man's intention.

It is very important to understand that as Jesus preached, He preached exclusively to the Gospel of a Kingdom Coming and always of who the Kingdom came from, being God the Father.
In the last days, Jesus warned us of the false one coming, claiming to be Him, doing miracles and wonders to deceive the world.

I think it would be difficult to create an experiment, which would validate God's existence through examining instances of those claiming to be speaking in tongues.  The main reason for difficulty is this: nobody can predict when the Holy Spirit will act as God would design any use of these gifts.

Many believers today say that being baptized in the Holy Spirit happens when you speak in tongues.  That may be true, but Acts 8:17 clearly indicates that the laying on of hands is also a manner to receive the Holy Spirit.  Those that would say the Holy Spirit Baptism is exclusive to speaking in tongues are speaking a faulty doctrine to what scripture states.  As God is not the author of confusion, it is hard for me to imagine that importance isn't given to the gifts in order that they are listed.  Speaking in tongues is 8th.

Acts 2: 6-12 describes plainly how God used those of the Upper Room receiving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost delivered the gift of Tongues.  They were all Galileans speaking to 16 different languages as represented in the scripture so that all understood the work of Jesus.  This means they knew to speak a language not of their own learning.

Now in terms of creating an experiment to validate God's existence among skeptics, I would let the skeptics do as they desired.  God in His way may decide to participate in such a test.  As for myself, I'd not have anything to do with such an experimentation.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
In the following verses the workings of faith follow from the beginning to now.

I don't think it is possible to believe in God without having faith.  I certainly know that when I was trying to understand faith, I didn't believe in God.  I knew of God as people spoke of Him, but I did not know Him.

If you check back on the spiritual gifts list Faith is the 3rd gift given by God.

Moreover when Jesus was speaking to his disciples after his resurrection he told Thomas, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed.

There are those in this world that will flatly reject God.  There are others which do not reject Him, but don't actually have a need to include Him into their lives. There are those who claim to know God, but in fact know nothing of Him.  There are also those that can't live this life without a relationship with God.

The only way one can have a relationship with God is through His son Jesus.  Jesus born of a woman came into flesh.  He lived as a human and died knowing all the pains, doubts and fears we all face.  His time on earth was nothing short of an example on using the nine Holy Spirit gifts in operation determined by God for His own purpose.

The wisest choice any person can make is the understanding of who Jesus is, what he did and why he did it.

The most foolish thing anyone can do is not investigate the life of Jesus thoroughly.  He is alive, and you best believe He is coming back for His kingdom.

Peace and Blessings

Pastor Martin

Modern Babylon

I read a message the other day. Here is the sight:  http://survivetheenddays.com/nfop_i2/?t=
The guy doing the info ad made some remarkable associations to what he believes to be modern day Babylon.  He supports even further his thinking by going through the book of Revelation and giving names to King of the North and King of the South.

The piece is provocative and I'm sure many will consider it less than worthy to consider, but they might also be #LeftHandChristians that Jesus said would be counted as goats.

For quite some time I've been speaking to urgency of times as we are in the days known as the Beginning of Sorrows.  Because many folks want to know more of how one should interpret Jesus' revelation to John in the book of Revelation, I think this is a pragmatic discussion on coming troubles for some and Great Glory for others.

I am in no way promoting the product in the above link.

Peace and Blessings

Perilous Times

The world is in chaos as we approach the Shemitah.
Once again in our culture the lunacy has begun in another general election cycle.
Ferguson is erupting again while elsewhere in the world all kinds of innocents are slaughtered.
Even those fighting for independence as countries are left to their own overwhelming survival.

What are we to focus on, how are we to respond?

For me, I have taken it upon myself to seek God's will for myself and others in all things I do.
Wisdom from earlier times that I wrote goes unheeded even as it is prophetic.  I have tried to
market the writing, but I can't even give it away, folks are just to focused on whatever their particular interest is for them.

I notice many folks are talking about God.  I suppose that is a good thing, but talking about God for me isn't enough.  Because of our particular situation I have been working for our only provision of income.  My wife has been doing her own bit of work for the Lord as she is guided.  She has just published a book with the help of other friends who are also mindful of serving the Lord.  The name of the book she wrote is "Cast Down - A New England Haunting".  It is marketed as a paranormal romance, but for her thinking she calls it a Christian horror story.  She has also begun another book written from the same story line.

Everyone involved in the work  of her service to the Lord is in very difficult economic reality.  Who isn't these days?  I see God's hands all over this writing.  The Holy Spirit helped me to support her in this endeavor, and I do mean Helped!

For my own doing in His service my prosperity isn't in monetary wealth, but rather a wealth of helping others along in very desperate situations.  In a couple of other posts I spoke about Don.  Well now Alex is in the picture.  Jobs are abundant because the company we work for is also in the business of serving God in their own ways.  The owner is confident and growing more confident in purchasing more properties.  My pace in rehabbing these properties is not something usual for him, so I guess he is coming around to utilizing his resources based upon risk for production potential.  Six months ago he was cash strapped because he didn't have the right management team.  He is providing low cost housing for people in a big industry here in the south.  He owns trailer parks.

Six months ago I started on one job doing a complete rehab.  The guy I went in with on the job claims to be a Christian, but he burned me for more money than I could afford to lose.  I was upset, but the Holy Spirit had a strong hold on me so in a very big moment I said my piece and forgave him.  The owner worked with me through the deficit and gave me more work as he decided to make investments.  Today I'm overseeing four jobs with two other bids I have given ready to go.  I also have help.  Don now rents from Ed and Alex is also renting but is in arrears due to his own troubles within family.

We are still very close to economic calamity.  Just as other folks are too.  We are however building for the days ahead, we have hope in the Lord.  All those that are connected with me will have knowledge and faith in the Lord or they will learn about His ways.  Because this is His doing there will be no interlopers.  Plenty of folks have asked if I had any work, but I wasn't nudged toward their way in offering.  I am not saying they have to be active Christians, God forbid!  What I am saying is that His purpose is revealed to me as He designs.

My wife even helped out today when the office asked if I knew anyone who could clean up for showing units I had been working on.  Tina had already had one of the other guys employed in there cleaning, but not to my satisfaction.  Tina and my wife get on very well, and she is always bragging to my wife about how she never has to worry about jobs I am on.  So when the opportunity of need presented itself, my love shared a few hours with me in a unit I was working on and the other one right next door I had completed last week.

Brothers and sisters, I know it is written that our deeds for the Lord should not be made known for the sake of building ourselves up as the Pharisees do.  I however believe that for all the professing to love God, not enough is being done for the least of these.  All the folks involved with myself and my wife are encouraged for doing what the Lord said we should do.  In their own particular situations they have reason to thank the Lord.  And in days such as the perilous ones we face, how can sharing the doing of service to God be considered prideful?  By an example these words should give you inspiration to do something, anything that you can as God reveals His purpose to you!  Remember we are all adopted into his family, and how glorious is it to introduce others that may or may not know God into an ever greater demonstration of His Holy Spirit Operations?

Luke 15:7, Luke 15:10

I believe there are many hopeless sinners waiting for God to provide a miracle.  Those facing eviction, loss of family, illness, or just something worthwhile to do in this frustrating life can find peace in Jesus arms as promised by God when the faithful will do more than talk about scripture or knowing God.

John 14:12

We do not need to show God's love by our attendance at church.  We need to find those that are truly looking for the truth and deliver to them the abundance we know as disciples of the Jesus' living church.
We can do it at work, or in our day's moments.  We just have to have the courage and willingness to let the Holy Spirit guide us to do God's will.  This is the manner in which we will be delivered through these perilous times.

And for the link to my wife's new book!
Cast Down - A New England Haunting

Peace and Blessings
P.Martin

Light vs. Dark

I thank God for His Sabbath.
I praise Him for the wisdom He sends for anyone with an ear to hear,
or with eyes to see.
 
Faithful I am thankful for you and looking forward to being in the Lord's presence with you
when His appointed time comes. It is on my heart to hearken you all so that you may consider with all sincerity and conviction the state of your spiritual man.

While Jesus taught this world, he was asked by his disciples about a man casting out devils in Jesus name.
The disciples forbad the man for his actions and Jesus told them:

Mark 9: 39-40

Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil against me.  For he that is not against us is on our part.

The division of America is setting the stage for a time soon to come.  The latest ruling handed down from the Supreme Court concerning Men Loving Marriage, opens the door to the threshold persecutions we'd endure in Jesus' name.  This decision comes as the darkness in this world grows stronger and bolder.

Divisions of race, wealth, ideology and man's morality are raging and fomenting chaos in our lands.
Even believers are taking it upon themselves to enter into the prevailing arguments for and against their ideas of what is wrong and right.  The result is a hatred propagated among all of us as God's children.

While we believe to be righteous in our attempts to rebuke the wrongness we see, we fall short of the 2nd greatest commandment.  To love one another as we love ourselves.  While we fight against those we presume to be wrong we also minimize the importance of our 1st and greatest commandment, To love God with all of our minds, body and soul.

Confusion, anger, chaos are the temptations the enemy loves to see us all involved in because we act in darkness even if we presume to be in the light.  There can be no more instruction on who and what the enemy is written by Paul in Ephesians 6: 12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Jesus knew of wickedness and iniquity of all men.  His charge in preaching for the 3-1/2 years he walked on this earth was a method of how we should live in obedience to all the laws and statutes of God.  He showed us possible methods to fight evil given to us from on High!  He gave us power to defeat the enemy, but did so with instructions many have either forgotten, dismissed or rejected.

Whether or not the Holy Spirit thrives in us depends on how we as believers welcome Him into our hearts.
If we are angered and part of the chaos this world is embroiled by, how can spread His gospel, or serve the least of these he charged us to work after?  Are we ignoring the Great Comforter Jesus sent us?

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring things all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Faithful see the times for what they are!  Many are being slaughtered in the Middle East for their faith in Jesus!  Even in our own country millions of the innocent are killed in what man considers to be legal medical procedure known as abortion.  Now we find that fetus remains are being mutilated and sold! The possibility of giving nuclear power to known enemies of our country and Israel waits on a vote!

Come with me to Revelation 6: 9-11

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and the testimony which they held:  And they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How Long, O Lord, holy and true, does thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.


The time is close when Jesus will no longer be a mediator for the sins of man to the holy Father in Heaven.
Some call this the time of probation.  Whatever you want to call it, once Jesus leaves this work, you'll either be written in the book of Life, or you won't.

The times to come will be impossibly difficult to imagine.  The things we are witnessing now are nothing to what is yet to unfold.  The great day of wrath comes after the impending tribulations which are just beginning.
In our own country, once a land of freedom we see our liberties being removed each and every day.  No matter how much we fight this growing darkness it still goes on as it must.  No country or nation can prevent what must happen  These things are written by God and they WILL come to pass.  The signs in the heavens will become apparent later this September with the last of the blood moons triad all while we are in a super Shemitah year.

It is very possible that the leveling hand of God will set up a time for the coming of the Antichrist spoken of in Prophecy.  We will most assuredly have to be standing in the light, or we will be counted in the darkness.

Faithful... turn off the world of chaos, put away the agony.  Lift yourselves to the only salvation we have and know what he offers.  The sixth seal is presented for being broken and read in the heavens very few are aware of for the chaos here blinds them to it.

Peace and Blessings


 

Worry Not

I remember a time when I didn't know God. 
I guess guilt, poor decisions and failures had me in doubt and in fear.
I couldn't sleep because my mind wouldn't quiet.  I laid hours in bed hoping to find sleep only to
see time change on the clock by the minutes.  All of the troubles in life seemed to that torment my nocturnal
realities.

Now I was raised as a Catholic so I knew who Jesus was, but those that considered Him important didn't impress me.  The acted differently, kinda overly careful of life.  Some told me that the things I did would find me in hell.  I didn't get along with many religious folks.  Life goes on and hope dwindles when your focus matures.  Situations of religious powerhouses confirmed my thinking that they were hypocrites.

As I tried to find my way in life the guilt, poor decisions and failures left me numb.  The harder I worked for something, the less respect I got.  People seemed to hate my abilities to exceed when they couldn't progress.
I wondered if there was something wrong with me, or if the world was wrong!

Rough working and reckless living took a toll on my body.  The result was being crippled up beyond medical fixing.  Surgery helped my back, but the damage was done.  Unable to work I found myself in desperation I'd never wish on anyone.  This is when worries became paralyzing.  The partying life I lived became an existence of self medicating that others might have overdosed for doing.  The worry was insane.

Folks talked to me about seeking help, but I had had my share of therapy counseling.  I thought about ending my life, but I feared that such an act would be the fulfillment of wishes to those that knew me.
It wasn't until I left everything  for one hope.  That hope was my writing, and it found its way to a woman that was a girl in my high school that I never knew.  She liked the work, and offered to edit it.

We talked about folks she knew that were looking for stories that might be made into movies.  There is where I found myself immersed.  In three years I wrote over a dozen books.  I picked up work where I could and as I could.  We had a dream and we were digging into it

There is an apologist for Christ on TV that has a show which airs on Sunday mornings.  When she tuned in to listen as background noise, I argued that I had no patience for such types of noise.  She kept tuning in
and eventually I heard him speak to my curiosity.  We went to his church and I never heard God talk as this man spoke.  I was hooked.

Studying scripture became very important to me.  Even my writing took on a willingness to include God's
ways.  The Spirit of God began His long convicting process upon me so as to change from who I was to what He is still making me.

My rage, fears and worries I give to God!  I pay attention to scriptures as Jesus taught such as not to worry.
Years it has been since I have developed this relationship with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Yesterday my wife missed a signature delivery from Fed Ex.  She'd been expecting a package that contained childhood memories from a life she left a long time ago.  Her mother needed to receive 24/7 help due to her health.  Property was sold to pay for the care.  She came to know this on a facebook post from a niece she had reconnected with only a few years ago.

When I came home from work she seemed frustrated so I asked her what she was feeling.  After some
ambiguous reasons she said she believed there would be in the delivery of childhood items some type of nasty note.  Her childhood was very troubling and she was deeply scarred from it.  I tried to point out she may just be worrying about nothing, but she was convinced that the delivery would include some type of nastiness

Well the package came and there was no nastiness in it.

Just as we all have done at sometime or another,
we convince ourselves that certain probability is important enough to rob us of our peace. 
Then we find out our certain probability was a creation of our troubled thinking and wasn't even probable.

We have to press into the inspired words of God!  1Timothy 1:7. 
This is after Jesus told us not to worry.
Worry is taking your thoughts off the Living God and His love towards you.
It may help you to think of it as a type of Idolatry!

Change in yourself comes from developing an obedience towards God's wisdom.
The change takes time and persistent curiosity of knowing how God thinks and sees things
eventually leads you to fully accepting His advice and wisdom.

Turn off the world noise for a while and meditate on scripture.
What the world cannot offer you for truth, God surely can, but you need to build your relationship with Him.
Only then will the need for therapy, self medication, worry and fear, fall away from you as though it was in the rear view mirror while you are driving into His love, and away from your past!

Worry Not!

Peace and Blessings

Freely Received, Freely Give

This post is a follow up to "Nothing to Lose" next post


This past week after answered prayers within Nothing to Lose, I find myself enjoying a cup of coffee with Don.  He has managed to move into a trailer as residence that is owned by the guy I work for by the job.
Don and he reached an agreement of work for rent.  He is here because water is not yet running in the trailer.
It will be today.  Work has already begun to make that happen.  I told Don that if the situation required he could spend a night or two with us, until his situation was livable.  So it is.

Jesus said to serve. I understand his meaning as, the greater the service, the greater the servant would be rewarded.  Don is a man that knows God, he just didn't know Him well enough.  Over the past week, I've been instructing him on how the Holy Spirit operates with men.  His progress is remarkable.  8 days ago, he was in a parking lot holding a sign looking for work. Yesterday he moved from his previous residence by eviction unto his new address.  He is working for his new diggs and has employment opportunity.

Don now has renewed hope.  He has a fresh curiosity of God's ways and his gratitude is abundant.
He keeps thanking me for the result of these 8 days, and I tell him plainly to thank the Lord.

There are different works the Lord will set us upon.  I do not know the why's of the Lord's way, all I know is His thoughts are not mine.  I have noticed that God seems to be directing me into finding those weak in faith for strengthening their faith.  My guess is that Don will come to find his way in receiving God's will for him and serve accordingly.  I know we are to spread the Gospel of Jesus to all the world, but sometimes reviving or educating believers is a priority to God.

This week has strained my financial budget.  I know God knows this, but it is also meant for Don's renewal.
Don's capacity to worry about circumstances was impressive 8 days ago, but as I have shown him operation of the Holy Spirit, we have had occasion to see the great dominos fall of God.  The need for cash resources will be met because God makes provision for the work he wills us to do.  As I remind Don of these promises, I can see in his eyes his spiritual man's mind turning.  Praise Jesus he is getting it and applying it.

This is the way I serve God for His Kingdom.  I am only a small part of that Kingdom, but it is better than any possession this world has to offer.


P&B

Nothing to Lose

My prayers are answered with unforeseen and astonishing blessings.

This morning I woke knowing the work in front of me.  Completing the job I'm on seemed very far away, even though the completion date is this month's 19th day  While walking our dogs I talked to God, viewing his beautiful creation.  I thanked Him for the provision I'd be managing in a short time ahead.

Today my back pinched as I took uneven steps being pulled to one side or the other.  The long hours of physical labor have been taking a toll on my body.  This is a body previously injured, body medicine only repaired to a very limited functionality.  Only five years ago I couldn't work more than a 1/2 a day.  When I did perform that work, I was laid up for 2-3 days.

The fact that I work 6 days a week usually 11 hours a day cannot be explained unless miraculous healing is considered.  So when I feel the past agony and pain creeping up while walking two dogs of 150 pounds combined weight, I am very concerned about how easily I could become crippled up again.

I have been in prayer over our condition for quite sometime.  We are a one income household and just as the completion of the job seemed so far away our financial condition seemed to worsen even when production increased.  My wife could get a job to meet the gap, but that isn't an option.  She is busy completing a writing work the Holy Spirit had instructed her to put together.

I am not one to complain about much of anything.  I don't believe it serves any useful purpose, and moreover, I believe complaining about anything moves me further away from God.  To God alone I petition my condition of need, my lack of confidence, my exhaustion and my fear of not fulfilling His will, as best that I understand it.  This morning God heard that what I needed to accomplish was beyond my own ability.

The Devil has been tempting me trying to convince me that in serving God all I should expect is what I have, and maybe even less.  No worries, I know the Devil's dance  His seduction is mighty, but the Lord's Sacrifice is greater.

I went to work this morning finishing up an add on paint job for another property.  I thought of writing specifically about faith tonight and put it on the back burner. I made my way to Lowes for items I needed to bring the priority job towards completion.  As I went through the list of details to accomplish in my mind I pulled into the entry of the store.  At the final turn I saw a guy standing on the side of the road, holding a sign I didn't bother reading.  The Holy Spirit told me to say,  "I don't have any cash to give."  Without rejecting Him I yelled the same out my window.  The guy walked over to the door and lifted the sign so I could read it.  Then he said, he was willing to work for food.  A car pulled up behind me, so I moved up out of the way of traffic and parked the car.  The guy walked across the roadway to where I parked.  I got out of the car with pen and paper ready to take his number down.  Turns out the guy has no immediate number for contacting him, but I could leave a message he'd get for calling another number.

Despite what my worldly experience was telling me, the Holy Spirit urged me to stay put and listen, but to also ask questions.  After a ten minute exchange I invited him to park his scooter and come to work with me for the day.  He was ready to secure his scooter, but I told him I came to shop so shop I must.  He said he'd be waiting, which he was.

The ten foot counter top I'd otherwise manage alone later on in the day was now manageable.  A potential hire would also suffice my bosses need to accomplish a growing list of work.  When I came to know that this man named Don D also lived in a trailer park, my curiosity peaked!  My boss is actively seeking to buy more properties.  As far as Don knew the owner transferred the ownership of the lot to her daughter.  He also said that the entire park was occupied but in need of a great amount of rehab on all 60 units!

When I take up the wisdom of the invisible man, He in turn gives me glimpses of what the future is and how it will work out.  What I envisioned was one more blessing after another all meant for God's glory in His will for myself, Don, my boss and those I didn't even know.  Save Don and myself, none knew of what I was being shown.  Don only learned of it as the Holy Spirit revealed it to me.

After collecting the counter top we took the 45 minute drive to the job sharing in our walk with God.  When we got to work, Don listened and began.  With Don and while serving the Lord in what we did it seemed as though a day and a half of production was gained.  We worked for 5 hours!  Don is coming by for 8 AM tomorrow.  He understands the work to be done, and sees how it can be accomplished by the end of Sunday. We share the universal rhythm servants of God know.  I can only imagine what the results will be after a couple of full days of work!

 Minus the Sabbath, we have two days for production.  Then we are expected on another job.

During work today another customer of mine called.  She was taking delivery of a kitchen for a property I worked on a few months ago.  I told her maybe Monday I could squeeze her in.  She asked how many days.  I responded, One day!  I told her I had help.  I didn't fully commit but left it tentative with a high probability of being there.  That job is a bone because the pay is premium.  Only trouble is the travel time. I see this as affirmation from the Holy Spirit, as He shows me what blessings lie ahead.

I listen to ministers, preachers and the like almost all the time speaking to the operation of God's will.
I listen during the drive, while I work, and even after we get home.  Listening is fine  Listening sharpens your senses to hear the direction of God.  But acting on the direction of God and seeing what the obedience of acting on His direction is what I call Abundant Life.

Ceaseless prayer during faith stretching times presents a condition where God provides an opportunity.  When you seize the opportunity all the impossible that was in front of you scatters.  That light, once so far away at  the tunnel's end now warms the hope of all possible in God's will for us.

Don D's prayers were also answered.  His stretched faith also recognized that ceaseless prayer receive Boaz blessings only when he was expecting a few bucks to get through another dreary day!

All is well with my soul, and I know of two other souls that are well, concerning this answered prayer.
After tomorrow the wellness of other souls not privy today will also be well.

When I cast a stone in the air intending on striking a bird for dinner I am expecting to eat.
When God cast His stone into the air, the flock comes down, and I find myself having a feast.

Praise be to the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit!

P&B

Under God

In a town just a few miles away from here two pastors are demonstrating  a flag protocol I have always considered to be logical and correct.

http://www.wbtv.com/story/29472787/shelby-church-to-fly-christian-flag-over-american-flag



                                                                                                                                                                                             


This may seem offensive to some that have no faith in the Almighty, but considering the condition of our country; I'd say, "Too Bad"!

While we celebrate Independence Day let us also consider our founders were in fact God fearing people.

Be safe, enjoy peace and embrace blessings.

Charleston, SC. Love Wins

The last victim of the AME Church was buried yesterday in Charleston.
Through the public support and past the Confederate Flag issue Charleston's people
remained a shining example of exactly how God's love wins.

No doubt the pain of such a great loss was ever agonizing and will be going forward for
an undetermined amount of time.  The victims were all cream of the crop types.
Anger, retaliation and ill considered justice lurked as shadows amidst the light of Love embracing
the city while it mourned.

If there is a model that America needs to study, and live by it is now found in this south eastern corner of our country. Charleston's Love has won against the onslaught of all things that turn other cities into war zones.
They did so by observing the commandments of God and also in seeking the wisdom of Jesus by giving their cares to the Lord.

Believers in God and Jesus worldwide can be strengthened in their faith for witnessing the comportment
of people in Charleston SC, during these times filled with hate, division and degradation of humanities
search to control their own destiny.

I thank the Father in Heaven in Jesus' name for the awesome way of His people and how they have demonstrated that Love Wins.

God's Love Wins

#LeftHandChristians

Left Hand Christians

Matthew 25:33

A Plea for the Deceived

For those who have ears to hear, and eyes to see, the recent past has delivered us to a time when a student of biblical prophecy can only be certain of one conclusion.  We are witness to the last days mentioned in both the Old Testament and New Testament.  No responsible student of scripture would dare give a date of Christ’s return, but as Christ mentioned in His teachings, we are supposed to be aware of signs of the times.

This is not an expository for the non-believer, nor is it fodder for the atheist.  Self-proclaimed Christians need no assistance from any non-believers or apostasy in pointing out hypocrisy within the denominations.

Neither is this a judgment.  It is however a rebuke or admonition to hearken unto the truth of Christ and His Gospel of the Kingdom to come, rather than to cleave to the foolish traditions of men.

           

Because I am a sinner I find myself in conflict with what Jesus said in Matthew 24:6

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

            The “beginning of sorrows” Christ speaks of are happening daily. The sobering truth also mentioned in scriptures following result in a burden almost too great for a servant of Christ to imagine. Matthew 24:12.

And because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold.

            As I lend an ear to current events of these days and I am troubled.  I am reminded of Old Testament Prophecy.  Isaiah 5:20-23

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Woe unto to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away righteousness of the righteous from him!

            Prophets present the intentions and will of God.  They are almost always hated and considered to be fools until calamity spoken of befalls those who should have listened.  In the New Testament the Apostle Paul speaks of old times as ensamples (examples) for us on many different occasions.  The New Testament church that departs from Old Testament teachings is likely a church any serious believer of the Word should flee from.

            Our country was founded under a covenant with God written within the Mayflower Compact.  Martin Luther’s reformation of the church became a type of exodus from the tyranny of the Church and monarchies demanding a manner to worship God.  As our country grew and developed most of our leaders gave attribution to God based upon Biblical understanding.  These are plain facts many of our current population is willfully ignorant of from a historical perspective.  The enemy of the faithful has done its very best to manipulate the accuracy of these facts through rewriting history convenient to their designs of eliminating God from our culture.

            From our beginnings as a country, which put the word of God first to our condition today of our losing our individual freedoms; my sinful nature in being troubled can only be set to peace in one manner.  This is to pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As I worked the other day my prayers were answered.  The answer wasn’t given to me as a passive gift.  It came with conditions.

            Brothers and sisters in the family of God and of our Lord Jesus, I pray you consider the following words for your eternal benefit, rather than hear them as a condemnation of life here in the flesh.

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have no understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

            Jesus the Christ ministered to the world for a short time.  In a span of three years he gave sight to the blind, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, raised the dead and cast out evil spirits.  In the flesh Jesus was spoken of in the days of Isaiah and other major prophets.  So when God became man in Jesus what were some of the teachings He left us to consider and live towards?

            In one of Jesus’ most noteworthy sermons named the Beatitudes, Jesus qualified His mission.

Matthew 5:17-18.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:  I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

            Jesus was a Jew and he kept the Sabbath. The Jewish Sabbath is Saturday.  So why do Christians worship on Sunday?  The law and prophets Jesus spoke of came from the books of Moses.  In those books you’ll read the Ten Commandments.  Clearly God was pretty certain about the holy day of rest in the fourth commandment.

            I have heard many explanations as attempts to reason worship on Sunday rather than on God’s day of rest.  I have heard these explanations because I have asked and searched for something worthy so as to accept this contradiction.  I can tell you how the Sunday worship transferred in the early church during the reign of Constantine. 

            When I consider Sunday worship and reflect on the practices of the differing denominations of Christians, I can see how the schedule of men in this world of flesh makes sense.  Our work week and calendar are convenient to Sunday worship. I have wondered what would happen if there was an automatic and immediate change to make Sabbath worship the norm rather than Sunday worship.

            Consider how God’s day begins as opposed to how man sees a day.  The Sabbath of God begins at sunset Friday night!  Would it even be possible for Americans to embrace this change of weekend ritual?!

John 14:15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

            In my walk following Christ, I must take the savior at his word.  There is no way I can reconcile proper worship to God the Father and Jesus by not keeping the Sabbath on the very specific day mentioned in the fourth commandment.  While Jesus lived, he was never accused of not keeping the Sabbath.  It was what he did on Sabbaths that got him into trouble.  The New Testament is replete of healings and miracles Jesus did during those Sabbath days.

            Try to imagine being part of the ruling class of Pharisees or Sadducees during the time of Jesus.  These people controlled the keeping of the Sabbath within Israel.  The rituals of Sabbath keeping were strict according to these men.  The offerings of the Sabbath given to them kept them wealthy and in power.  The people coming to those in charge were in a bondage to the law of Moses all while they were under control of the Roman Empire.  These same people were hoping for deliverance from the tyranny of Rome from a King David type of leader, which many hoped would return them to the past Glory of a past Jerusalem.

            This law of Moses through offerings covered sins, it did not forgive sin.  Jesus made the example of forgiving sin on the Sabbath in Matthew 9:1-6.

And he entered a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

And behold they brought him to a man sick of palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy: Son be of good cheer: thy sins are forgiven thee.

And, behold certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore you think evil in your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, arise and walk?

But that ye may know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then he saith to the sick of palsy,) Arise take up thy bed, and go unto thine own house.

            Nobody had ever seen such healing in their days alive.  None of the Pharisees or Sadducees ruling ever did such a thing.  When the masses of people began to hear of these great doings, you better believe those in control perceived a real danger to their own power as the multitudes sought out Jesus on the Sabbath rather than them.

            It is also important to understand how the Jews in Jesus’ time regarded sin.  If a person was afflicted with illness or deformity the cause of the illness of deformity had to come from a sin nature.  Check out John 9:1-2

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from birth.

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

            The ministry of Jesus or His purpose follows in John 9:3-5.

Jesus answered, Neither hath this manned sinned, nor his parents: but that the works God should be made manifest in him.

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

            The remainder of the chapter followed from instructions given to the man receiving his sight so as to be investigated by the Pharisees.  Once again the miracle was done on the Sabbath, once again Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in the end of the chapter made them more embolden to end his life.

            The rulers of the time made keeping the law a burden to the people. They lost sight of why the law was important.  What became important to the rulers was the glory of them in what they perceived as service to God.  Jesus denounced them for their selfish pride.  Matthew 23:23

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and to not leave the other undone.

            If the rulers of Jesus’ day clearly understood the scripture they presumed to guard they would have discerned his arrival as the coming Messiah prophesied within the same books they claimed to know.  They were blinded in sin of greed and pride. John 5:46-47.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not in his writings, how shall ye believe in me?

            The review of Jesus’ ministry or mission is indeed remarkable. But Jesus’ prophecy is even more remarkable.  The prophecy I want to focus on is the building of the church immediately after his crucifixion and resurrection. John 14:12-17.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He believeth on me, the works that I do he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye love me keep my commandments

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever.

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.

            Jesus gives reference to another personage of God as the “Comforter”, and even says that he is the Spirit of Truth.  We go forward to the resurrection and beginning of Jesus’ church building.  Acts chapter one, Jesus gives specific instructions speaking to the coming of the Holy Spirit just before his ascension.  Chapter two describes the conversion of 3,000 by the same Apostle that denied Jesus three times.  Jesus in his ministry had less than 100 followers for all his works!

            Throughout the book of Acts the reader encounters more healing and miracle work done through the Apostles.  In Chapter seven Steven, a discipline full of the Spirit testifies in God’s word from Abraham until the present and becomes the first martyr stoned to death for Christ’s sake.  Even more incredible is the future of the man named Saul of Tarsus who oversaw the stoning of Stephen in his work.  This man became the Apostle to the Gentiles spoken of in Isaiah 42:6.

I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles:

            In Acts 9: 15-16 Saul becomes the focus of Christ’s will towards Annanias.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

            Any reader of the New Testament knows that seventy five percent of it was written by Paul, the transformed Saul unto service of preaching the gospel of Christ.  Has any man suffered more than Christ himself other than Paul?  I think not.  Paul’s suffering came largely from the Jews who condemned Jesus.  It was his mission to convince them that faith in the Lord, and belief on the Lord Jesus was the same salvation promised to the Jews by the promises of Abraham. When Jews (Pharisees) attacked him, he turned to the Gentiles.

            Most Christians claim to have their faith, not fully understanding that their same faith is fruit of Paul’s work.  The Apostles of Jesus didn’t trust him as he began his mission in taking the Gospel to gentiles and Kings of the earth.  Peter needed great persuasion to fully understand how the gospel of Jesus and the coming Kingdom of God was to be sought after as it is written in Acts chapter ten.  His vision or trance from heaven made it clear to him that God’s glory was for all men by the baptism of Cornelius and his house, not just the Jews as the Apostles had been thinking.  Later and beyond these determinations the covenants Jews had with God as the chosen people were departed from concerning the gentiles and children of God counted within the New Testament church.  Chapter eleven of Acts describes Peter’s defense of witnessing Holy Spirit operation as God desired, which gave Paul credibility as an Apostle to the Gentiles determined by none other than Christ’s urging.

            The first century church struggled within itself on how to preach the gospel of the kingdom coming.  The Holy Spirit operation however did not struggle.  In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul beseeches the church to grow with great effort.  Philippians 2:11-13

And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.       

            In all of the New Testament letters Paul was inspired to write his underlying motive came down to one thing.  This was the glory of God the Father by believing in Jesus Christ.  Again, Paul never met Jesus in the flesh as the Apostles did.  Paul’s Apostleship is proof of the Great Comforter or the Holy Spirit Jesus promised to send John 16:7-14

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

I have yet many things to say unto you now, but ye cannot bear them

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you in all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and will show you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

            In my journey of faith, I find great similarity in Paul’s teaching towards the Romans.  Specifically Romans 8:22-25.

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members

O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

I thank God through Jesus our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with flesh the law of sin.

            Modern cultures today embrace political correctness.  Morality without adherence to God’s statutes and laws is the greatest deception the enemy has granted us. The prince of this world has been judged, yet to many Christians accepting political correctness as religious, they too will be judged at the White Mercy Seat as goats on the left hand.  Yes, they have been deceived.  Our Lord Christ was very specific about this in many different teachings.  His Apostles also were very specific.  Before Christ and the New Testament church, the man after God’s own heart penned the 119^th Psalm.  David spoke of God’s mercy while Jesus delivered it in the flesh.  This mercy wasn’t the mercy of officials looking to maintain power as the Pharisees and Sadducees erroneously did.  This was the mercy of God shown to David before Christ!

            We as Christians inherit the blessings promised to Abraham.  This truth is related in the Roman scriptures chapter four.  How then as Christians can we not love our brothers the Jews?  It is our mission commanded by Christ to love one another, even our enemies.  Christian behavior is defined in Romans 12, yet how much of this teaching is allowed in churches, let alone prospered in denominations demanding certain aspects of abiding law men teach just as the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ ministry? 

            Today many of us see the Muslims as an enemy.  Are we also aware that Muslims are also a seed of Abraham?  They are, and according to God in Genesis 16:10-12 part of His own plan.  Christians in America and the western nations claiming to be Christians are leaving God out of the equation in figuring out what to do about troubles of these days concerning those not considered of the multitude.  We wage war against them.  We have done so for decades and centuries.  Is this the work and spirit of spreading Jesus’ gospel?  The operation of a nation is huge.  Throughout scriptures God has raised up nations for his will and purpose and taken them out.  Israel’s history is the only millennial saga to exist in all cultures. Daniel 2:20-21 demonstrates this truth.

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and might are his:

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

            I am of the belief that God prospered America and parts of Europe for the purposes of aiding Israel through the end time realities.  Jesus’ telling of end times in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 are plainly coming to our knowing the time of sorrows.  If there are any doubters of my belief, I’d simply refer them to what Jesus said in Chapter 3: 14-22 of the book of Revelation.

And unto the angel of the church of Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning creation of God;

I know thy works, that thou are neither hot nor cold: I would that thou wert cold or hot.

So then because they are neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of thy mouth.

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that though are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white rainment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that thou thy shame of nakedness do not appear; and anoit thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see  And as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.

Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with my Father inhis throne.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

In the last verse Jesus specifically said that for those that have an ear, we should listen to the Spirit of God. The seven churches spoken of in the first chapters of the Book of Revelation in my mind are era churches.  Our country’s history for my understanding was founded in the Church of Philadelphia, but has become the church of Loadicea.  Many pastors may argue with this and that is fine.  However the promises given to the church of Philadelphia are upon us these very days.

Are we renewed in the spirit of our minds as Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:23?  Do we seek to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit in the manner that we live? Is all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking put away from us with all malice? Are we kind, caring, tenderhearted and forgiving to one another?  These are fruits of the Spirit from God the Father Jesus promised us.

In his letter to the 1 Thessalonians 5: 15-18 Paul directs us

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

What did Jesus tell his Apostles concerning how the world would perceive them in for his name’s sake? John 15:18.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

           

            In the Chapter of the above verse Jesus is speaking directly to his Apostles just before the work of his passion.  He also redefines the nature of his relationship with them.  They are no longer his servants, but he calls them his friends and all he knows from his Father has been made known unto them.

            Think about that for a moment.  Jesus’ own mission results in dying on the cross for the sake of innocence.  Those who follow him will endure the same.  The reality of those Apostles was nothing that any of us as contemporary faithful could possibly imagine.  Those of us in America and Western Europe enjoy freedoms none of the Apostles ever knew.  These men died confessing that Jesus was Lord of God the Father sent to preach the Gospel of Heaven’s Kingdom coming.

Matthew 10:32-33

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him I will confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father in heaven

            Are we bold in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or do well remain aloof speaking of our spirituality within a politically correct culture?  How do we as Christians resist the secular protocols demanding a departure from our faith in the guise of hate litigations?  Those who endure persecution and personal loss for standing in their faith are presented by the secular media for not willing to accept recent alternative lifestyle choices.

            Are Christians today who are self-proclaimed to be saved, standing on a sure foundation?

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

            These words Jesus spoke are the beginning of a conclusion explained after words by a wise man who builds his house upon stone, rather than sand.  It was preceded by the command not to judge.  Before that considerations of our lives were spoken to in comparison of fowls being fed by God and raiment of clothing as lilies of the field.  We are not to be concerned with the affairs of tomorrow, or how it is that we provide for ourselves.

            Does this sound like any part of our culture today?  Are 401k accounts, or life insurance policies indicative of not caring for tomorrow?  If we are not to worry of these things and are to be of the few worthy, just what is it that we are supposed to be doing?  Well, I can show you the answer Christ provided.

Matthew 10: 7-10

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

            In the service of these instructions Jesus warns his Apostles of persecutions that would follow them. The power Jesus gave to the Apostles was from on High and awesome in its nature.  Anyone in the business of making gain or retaining power concerning the charge of Jesus became the enemy of the Apostles.  Their livelihood was at stake.

            I am of the mind that we as Christians have been deceived for understanding the commands of Jesus. Where are we preaching the kingdom of heaven is at hand?  Are we in possession of the Holy Spirit’s power to heal, cleanse, raise or cast out?

            If we could be motivated to not participate in the 4^th commandment, but rather worship on the pagan Sun Day ordained by Constantine, is it reasonable to assume that we have blocked or rejected the person within the God Head known as the Holy Spirit?

            Are Christians today living without fear, boldly proclaiming God the Father’s Glory in knowing the savior Jesus, or are pretending to be saved in church attendance following the doctrines of men?  Is our membership of a church more important than looking after the widows, and fatherless throughout the week?  Is your church food pantry open every day, or just one or two days of the week?

            Instead of preaching the kingdom of heaven to come, are we attending ceremonies of sermons bent to relieve us of guilt associated to appropriate hypocrisy?  How is it that our worship involves collecting tithes for construction of a building, when so many fatherless go without?

            My brothers and sisters, if church isn’t doing the commandments of Jesus, or the works of the Apostles in the first century church, I would submit to you that we have turned our back on the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.  A church full of testimonies is only profitable if it seeks out sinners who repent and know Jesus the Lord.

Matthew 9:12-13

But when Jesus heard that he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

            There are people who live in righteous manner, if there weren’t Jesus wouldn’t have qualified his reason for coming.  But let not the knowledge of righteous living fool you as to being counted as saved.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

            The one truth of every human experience is that all die.  We are free to believe in God by the person of Jesus, or not to believe.  God’s true love for us must come by a voluntary seeking of His love for us.  This demands that we have a choice to believe in faith that Jesus was who He claimed to be, and will do what He said He was going to do.

            True servants of God will study the examples Jesus left us with according to the Gospels and New Testament Letters written by Paul.  They will embrace the words of Christ and His sent ones to live in a certain manner. 

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Jesus and his Apostles warned us of suffering persecution for living Godly in the name of Jesus.  Peter even says to not consider it a strange thing concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. 2 Peter4:12.  Keep in mind these Apostles operated with Holy Spirit Power in the same manner Jesus taught the world.  Ask yourself some simple questions for your salvation today.  Are you believing that worship on a day chosen of men suggesting that the church will be raptured out before tribulations is the truth Jesus preached?  Are we following preachers that publish their own versions of interpreting Jesus’ truth?  Are we participating in the business of religiosity?

God’s word is unchangeable.  It is immutable.  It is the same from the beginning as it is now, and will be in the end.  Jesus in his life rebuked those claiming authority of Moses’ Law.  How many of our church leaders are walking and teaching as the Pharisees, Sadducees,  lawyers and scribes of Jesus’ days?  Are we the people that go to see them so as to feel righteous?  Are we those that preach the kingdom of God without charge, freely speaking of Holy Spirit Power given to men that follow Christ?

These times we live in are very similar to what Jesus said in defining ‘End Times’  These times for the divider of the truth are known in the Old Testament by the prophets.  On the day of the Great White Judgment will you be on the Left hand of Christ hearing,

Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

It is the nature of man to believe he knows what is best for him.  Some men do well for themselves in the manner which they provide a nice life for themselves.  Others do not perform as well as the truly gifted.  They meet with failures and lack for what they desired.  Wealth lends itself to freedom, more so than impoverishment.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

            Seek ye first what?  Seek ye first when?  Is it possible to know God’s purpose for His intention in creating you?  I would submit it is possible to know God’s will for each and every one of us.  We must first come to know Jesus on a personal level.  We must access correctly the heavenly gifts woven into our DNA before we were in the womb.  We must give Glory to God for all that we have and for all of the blessings He gives to us.  Then and only then we will truly be considered adopted into the family of God.  Jesus and the Father are one.  If we love God and Jesus wouldn’t we abide His commandments?  Wouldn’t we be known as His followers in as much as being a peculiar people showing forth the praises of Jesus and doing as he instructed?

            Before I conclude, I’d like to make a point of two scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments.  Both scriptures come from God the Father and Jesus the Son.  They both speak to The Holy Spirit of God.  Joel 2: 28-29, John15:26.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions:

And also upon the servants and upon handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

            It is proper to glorify God the Father with reverence and thanks through the Savior Jesus Christ.  Christ through his work is our mediator.  The Father promised to pour out his spirit upon all flesh, and Jesus said after He was gone our knowledge of God would be known by God’s awesome Spirit, which lives in all of us.  Jesus walked and lived with God’s Spirit and knowledge throughout His mission for mankind.  Are you a Christian that knows the Holy Spirit?  Are you growing the Holy Spirit within your flesh vessel?  If you seek God’s favor from a pastor at a particular church service it would be my contention that the great Comforter is he that you don’t know.

God loves you.  Without love for God and the service to Him in the name of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit of God it is a surety that you will be a Left Hand Christian.  There is no judgment in observation.  No man save Jesus brings us into heaven.  God seeks those that might not think they need him, by charging us to bring sinners to repentance at the foot of the cross, where The Savior’s sacrifice covered sin for all men.

            Peace and love from God on High