The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Wrath

Wrath

Now here is one of those "The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh," that I, and many others, KNOW, we have eaten from, and one we all know we must avoid. This is one that I'm still working on. I have always known growing up, that I have this inside me. I was a Loner. I have really only had a handful of friends my entire life.

I was a quiet kid. I played with our "neighborhood gang" and tried the whole Boy Scouts, Sports Team, stuff. Mostly for my Grandma or Mom. I tried not to get into trouble. I really preferred to just keep to myself. I was always happiest when I was alone.

If some kid decided to attempt to pick on me in School, actually, to tell you the truth, that only happened once. This kid was making threats and acting like a tough guy. I stood up and took my outside Flannel Shirt off and he sat down and never said a word to me again. He saw something in my eyes.

See, I was quiet. Polite. Always concerned with how others were more so than myself. I was a good kid. But I could feel it. Then one day, something did not go as planned. I could feel this thing stirring within me. Then, how I can only describe as growing inside me. Then??? ROOOAAAARRRR!!!!!!!!

That's right, the Big Green Guy, who lives in some of us, decided to come out. Now I understand that the "Incredible Hulk" is a Comic Book, TV, Movie, Character. David / Bruce Banner's alter-ego. Mild mannered man who turns into an 8 to 10 foot giant green monster that destroys stuff without much thought. However, I got news for ya. In some of us? The Hulk is real.

Now I'm 244 pounds. I go to the gym. I work out. I have an extremely high tolerance to pain. My Wife tells me all the time, that she doesn't think I know my own strength. Now imagine, couple all that with a blind, unthinking, RAGE, with one purpose. Destroy whatever is the target of that wrath. Oh I've destroyed many inanimate objects. From Household items, to cell phones, to cookware, even a car. Not joking. Over the past 10 years, yes, I have scared my Wife. I have scared other family members. My kids, if they were to be honest, will tell you, Daddy is scary when he gets angry.

Speaking of this, as a side note. Something that helps me keep the Wrath under control around my kids? Let me share this with you, because I truly believe it came directly from God. It was my Boy Eli. He is a mini me. He is one STRONG and FEARLESS Kid. He fell into a coffee table and cut his face at a Birthday Party and just wiped the blood away and went back to playing. When the Host asked him to allow her to clean it up and recommended that he may have to go get looked at, this little 4 year old boy, at the time, looked her in the eye, and said "It'll heal." Off he went.

So one day, I got angry with him. I sent him to his room and went in after. I was yelling a bit, and I could feel the stir inside. Then I looked into his eyes. I saw true, pure, fear. Then I got this in my Spirit. I'm it. Think about that. I'm it. I'm his Alpha and Omega. I'm his love. I'm his Provider. I'm his Protector. I'm his Comforter. Yet, here I am, scaring him because he knows, there is no hope. There is nothing higher than Daddy coming in to save him. Are you following me?

Whenever there is a Ghost in the Room. Monster under the bed. Bogyman in the Closet, strange knock on the door, Stranger when out somewhere, where do your kids turn? YOU. You are their safe haven. Just like how we should see our Heavenly Father, they see us. So what happens when it is YOU who is coming after them? Where is the hope?

So that has helped me. Being a Child of God, is helping me. I read things like...

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." {Romans 12:19}

I have read that. I have claimed that. I have seen that work in my life. It does not matter what ANYONE does to you. NOTHING can compare to what God will do to them. There surely is nothing you can do to them that is worthy to be compared to what God will do. I remember being used and abused in a former job. I could have attacked the person. I could have Sued the person. I could have done a lot. But I claimed the above Passage, forgave them, and within a year of leaving? The Business was sold, and the one abusing me? FIRED. God wiped out everything. I just forgave and lived on.

This is why when we become a Child of God, we must get the right mindset. Will we still get angry? Of course. Will bad stuff still happen? Of course. But we no longer need to worry. We have a better way..

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." {Ephesians 4:26-31}

King Solomon warns us..

" Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." {Proverbs 29:11}

Again, what can you do? Someone abuses you. You attack them? You may go to jail. You may lose your job. Your Family will suffer. You try to sue them? You lose money and time. Others are hurt and effected. What can you do? Forgive them. Give them to God. Trust me. All you need to do is live on.

James tells us...

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." {James 1:19-20}

Wrath, even if justified, is pointless. It does not produce anything positive. Also think about this aspect. What does it do to your health? People get extremely sick holding onto long lasting anger and hate. Scientific Evidence suggests that holding onto Anger, and or frequent angry outbursts, may increase the long-term risk of everything from Heart Attacks and Strokes to Poor and Slow Healing and a weakened Immune System.

This is why The Word tells us...

"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." {Ecclesiastes 7:9}

We do not have to dwell on Anger. We do not have to give into Rage. We have a better way. We have a release. Besides all that. Let me point out the obvious. Going back to that big green guy again. If your Phone is not working. Or your car doesn't start. Or something else goes wrong, and you allow that Rage to come out and have it's way. There will no longer be ANY chance of fixing it. Also, if you hurt yourself, destroying, oh I don't know, say your Car, because it won't start? Well, now you are hurt, and STILL have a busted Car. There really is no point.

No Child of God, be careful of the "The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh," called Wrath. It may smell good. It may even taste good. But it's end result is anything but good. Do not be mislead. Claim this Passage with me..

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." {Romans 12:19}

And learn to just simply forgive, and live on..

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Emulations

Emulations

Wait? I thought the Bible says we should, as Christians, attempt to be Emulating Jesus Christ. Emulating Jesus Christ begins with us as believers of Jesus Christ, asking ourselves the question, What has become our central focused?

There are also times in the Word that this sounds as if it is a Positive Thing. In Romans 11:14 the King James Version "emulation" is the translation of "Parazeloo" Or "to make one zealous or jealous." It is used here in a good sense.

"If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them." {Romans 11:14}

In other words, his hope was that by living for Christ, and them seeing the MASSIVE change in Him, remember, Paul used to be Saul who killed Christians, that some would follow his lead and become as him.

When someone says we should attempt to be Emulating Jesus Christ, what they are saying is that we should be striving to be like Him. So other that see us, will try to be like us. That through the way we live, they maybe provoked to jealousy. Jealous of our sometimes inexplicable Peace and Joy, even in tough times. This could lead some to want what we have..

However, In Galatians 5:20 it is the translation of "Zelos" Which is "Zeal," "Earnestness," "Enthusiasm" where it is classed among "the Works of the Flesh" and signifies the stirring up of jealousy or envy in others, because of what we are, or have, or profess. It also means "Jealousy." It denotes a Work of the Flesh or lower nature, which Children of God often fail sufficiently to guard against. It pleases "the Flesh" to excite such a feeling in others.

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." {Matthew 6:1-6}

In other words, you want people to think more highly of you than they should. You WANT people seeing you in a way that is better than they. "Look at that guy. He's so Holy. God must love him so much." But this is not just Religious Folks. See that older guy with the brand new red Sports Car? Or the Lady with the big Rock on her hand? Or,,, well, you get the point.

It is Human Nature for us to want to be loved and honored. It is Human Nature to attempt to work toward "stuff." He who dies with the most toys wins. ETC. But this is not the way of the Child Of God. Jesus put it this way...

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." {Matthew 6:19-21}

Oh, they can see your Big House with rooms you will never go in. They can marvel at all your World Accomplishments. But when you are working for the Lord, serving God, YOUR Treasures are for YOU. No one can see them. No one can be jealous of them. But does this matter? You see, the stuff people can see? The stuff people become Jealous of? When your time comes, someone else gets all that stuff.

Then you have those that want to be looked up to and Honored, for their Positions. Yup. Even in the Church. There was even Jealousy and Envy among some of the Disciples. Jesus had to teach them a lesson to, uh, curb their Enthusiasm?

"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth." {Luke 22:24-27}

See we are not to seek a position of Power or Authority in anything. We are to seek first the Kingdom of God. We are to Love God with all our Heart, Mind, and Soul. We are to be obedient to whatsoever God tells us to do.

"Build a Boat." But it's not raining? "Go to the most powerful man in the world and tell him to let my people go." Yeah, OK. "Leave the Sheep and go kill the Giant." Uh, What? "Peter, leave your Father and Family Business and I will build my Church on you." SURE... "Saul, Stop killing my people and I will make you a great Saint to the Gentiles."

Do you see the Pattern? None of these men were striving for greatness. None of them were attempting to become what they became. Most of them had no clue what was coming. The thing they all have in common? They were all obedient to God. They trusted in Him. They had a Spirit about them, Faith in them, and a Love for God, that allowed God to reach out to them. They were not too busy pretending to be someone or something they were not.

Now? Now we have it so much easier. Seriously. See, Noah, Moses, and King David, before his Kingship, had enough faith within themselves. Noah was one of the Patriarchs of the Bible, who remained faithful to God, despite the corruption that occurred around him. We know virtually nothing about Noah's early days. The Bible describes Noah as having been "blameless among the people of his time" and that "he walked with God." God told Noah that He was going to cause a great flood to destroy mankind and he was to build a large Ship, an Ark, in which he, his Family and Livestock were to survive.

Moses? We all know his story. A Son of a Slave who was spared, found, and grew up in Royalty, only to lead the great Exodus. Then you have David. A little meek man, the smallest of all his brothers, a Shepard in the Fields, until he slaughtered the Giant, and God made him KING.

Now? Child of God. Jesus had not yet come. He was not transformed. He did not raise from the Dead. The Holy Spirit did not come until after these things. But NOW? Now all you have to do is accept Jesus. He has come and died for YOU. He will never leave you comfortless nor alone. He sends to you the holy Spirit. He "who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." Jesus told us...

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, 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." {John14:16-25}

Do not wast your time pretending to be someone or something you are not. Be the Child of God you are, and let Him use you in whatever manor He chooses.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Variance

Variance

First thing you need to realize is this. God is the same yesterday, today , and forever. His word does not change. Just like if you were to touch the Hot Stove then, you would have gotten burned, if you touch the Hot Stove now, you will get burned. Sin is STILL Sin, Good is still Good. God is still God, and His Word is still His Word.

It does not matter who you are. Where you are from. What you do for a living. It does not matter what Man-Made Traditions you follow called Religion. Have you ever wondered why there ARE so many Religions?

It really is simple. Mankind NEEDS something to believe in. However, if they are in a Religion where something comes up, that they do not accept, they may go and start their own version or denomination, of that Religion, or start a whole other one. Look at Acts 4 They admonished Peter and those with them to stop teaching the Name Jesus They had no problem with them teaching God. They did not tell them to stop. They commanded them to stop using the name Jesus. Many Religions today are the same way. They are not evil. They do a lot of good in the world. They can lead you right up to the Gate of Heaven. But they do not have the key.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." {Acts 4:12}

Variance is a difference that produces dispute or controversy; disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel. Or, A disagreement or difference between two parts of the same legal proceeding, which, to be effectual, ought to agree, -- as between the writ and the declaration, or between the allegation and the proof.

The Family of God is suppose to be unified and "Of one mind"

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." {Philippians 2:1-4}

What mind?

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."{Philippians 2:5-11}

Paul issues this Warning...

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." {Galatians 1:8}

What did Jesus himself say about Religion? Some Religions have strict dogmas. Rules, regulations, and "Laws" that one must follow to be a good "Insert name here."

"Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."{Matthew 15:1-6}

Religion is one of those things that Man has created. The sad truth is this. I could create my own Religion. I could use God. I could quote the Word. I could convince you that I am the only way to Heaven. That if you follow me, you will be blessed with eternal life and many blessings here in this time. I could call it Carlockism. Many would follow me if I SOUND right. If I am charismatic enough, I will have a bunch of Carlockians running around when I die. In time, some may decide that they do not agree with all my teaching, but they do agree with others, so they break off and form their own Religion. They are the Petetites. In time, the PCs, Petetites, Carlockians, Petcarians, the, Carpetians, are all running around. Problem is? I did all this minus one thing. I never mentioned the name Jesus the Christ.

Any Religion that does not have the Key, Jesus. Any Religion that does not have the Door, Jesus. Any Religion that does not have the Way, Truth, and Life, Jesus. Is a False Religion. Religion for Religion Sake is both pointless and dangerous.

It can make you FEEL Holy. It can SEEM Right. It can be used as a Social Management Tool. But there is no Salvation attached to it. God is not the Author of Confusion. He did not make His Way hard. But simple for all to find it. There is ONE God. There is ONE Way, Truth, Life. Jesus. There is ONE way to Salvation. Jesus. Anything else is a lie. Anything else is confusion. Anything else is a waste.

Remember Jesus was talking to the Priests and Rulers of the Synagogues, The Religious folks, when He made this statement...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." {Matthew 7:21-23}

That has to be one of the scariest passages in the Word. Because if you hear that from Jesus, you are done. There is no turning back. No do overs. Nothing. It's over. You can be as religious as you want. You can follow the rules and regulations of your Religion to the T. You can receive great admiration by man. You can be appointed into positions of power and authority by man. But? What does God think? Does HE know you? Do you know HIM? Are you REALLY doing His Will? Do you have the Key, that IS Jesus?

You see. Once your "Religion" starts "Evolving, or "Changing with the times," this is when Variance starts creeping in and causing division and disruption, in what is a NEVER CHANGING, SOUND Doctrine, of God and His Will and His Way. Homosexuality is still Sin. Abortion is still Murder. There is still no other way than Jesus to get to Heaven. Lock Variance outside the door. Do what you know to be true..

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Hatred

Hatred

Contrary to popular belief, this statement...

"Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

is NOT from the Bible. It is from our little green friend from a long time ago, in a Galaxy far, far, away. Yup. This is a quote from Yoda. Jedi Master. However, this does not change the fact it is true. The Word of God does put it this way..

"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." {Proverbs 10:12}

Nothing good comes from Hate. Hate can lead to destruction and death. Hate can tear families apart and start Wars. Nothing good can come from Hate. This is why it is listed as one of the Poisonous Fruits of the Flesh.

"Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." {Psalm 37:8}

Yes, Anger can lead to Hate. I had, OK, have, a bit of a temper. I'm working on that. But I remember a while back when I was trying to make Breakfast for the Fam, I was using a Cast Iron Fry Pan. The Eggs are not suppose to stick to the Pan. The Eggs stuck to the Pan. I became so Angry, I went into a fury. I HATED that Pan and without thought, I destroyed the Pan. I turned it from a Cast Iron Fry Pan, to a Cast Iron Taco. Seriously. I slammed it so hard it folded. Ask my Wife. She was there. So were some very frightened kids. Like I said, I'm working on that.

But Hate does not always come from Anger. What is Hate? Hate is the opposite of Love. God is Love. Total and absolute LOVE. What is the Devil? Hate. Total and absolute HATE. This is why it is so very easy for us, in the Flesh, to Hate.

We Hate those that do not look like us. Think like us. Act like us. We Hate what we Fear. We Hate doing things we do not want to do. We Hate all sort of things. Why? Because it is Human Nature. Hate is a "Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh."

James warns us that Hate can lead to all sorts of things. He puts it this way in James 4:1-5. If you have your Bible turn there now..

" From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?" {James 4:1-5}

When you unleash your Hate, you allow Jealousy, Greed, and Fleshly Desires to take over. Like me with the Fry Pan, you HATE, then you seek to destroy.

Why do you think the Devil is Hate? Think about this. He was the First Angel. He was loved by God. He fell into Pride and attempting to dethrone God Himself, he was cast out and cast down. God Created Man and gave Man domination over all He Created. He loves us. Mankind. He rejects the Devil. This is why Satan Hates us. When Adam gave this God Given Authority over to Satan, then we became just like him. We are born in Sin. We live in Sin. God said...

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." {Jeremiah 17:9-10}

"But Hate is natural. It is normal. You do not understand. Sometimes Hate is a good thing" How do you mean? " Look, you ever wonder why some Blacks Hate Whites? Slavery. Wonder why some Women Hate Men. Inequality. Sometimes Hate is justified." Well, Jesus said this...

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." {Matthew 5:43-48}

Why?

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."{Romans 12:19} {Deuteronomy 32:35}

There is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, that you could EVER possibly do, to anyone, that is even worthy to be compared to what God can do to them. You do not need to Hate them. You do not even need to be angry with them. The three most powerful words you can say to someone. "I forgive you."

Why? Once you do, you take them out of your hands, and you give them to God. You let go, become obedient to God, and then God becomes the one seeking vengeance against that person. You just continue to follow what God says to you. God knows them. God will still give them an opportunity to repent, just like He gave you that opportunity. However, if they fail to do so, it is God who knows their Heart. God will measure onto them, what they measured onto you.

Besides all that, think about this. It does not matter what they think of you. It does not matter who they THINK they are. Nor does it matter what they believe about their status or position in life..

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." {John 3:18-19} 

Remember

"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." {Romans 12:20-21}

Life is too short, to live it through Hate. You do not ever have to Hate anyone. As our little Green Friend would say, "Stretch out with your feelings. The Love of God, you will feel. Release your Hate, and Anger, you must. In The Word, it does say."

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."{Matthew 6:14-15}

Remember, YOU are a Sinner. YOU are worthy of death. YOU were once a Wretch, Despicable, and Vile Person. God forgave you. Now YOU forgive them, and forget their offense. They are in the hands of God. Do not eat of the Poisonous Fruit, known as Hate..

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Witchcraft

Witchcraft

"Wait.. Witchcraft? Really? Come on. There is no such thing. Witchcraft is nothing more than a product of Hollywood. It is a thing of Authors and make-believe. There is no such thing. Guess the next thing you will tell us is that you believe in Spooks and Goblins. Oh I know, let's talk about Aliens next. Come on. Witchcraft is not real."

Really? Well, let me ask you this. Would you warn your Child not to open the Refrigerator, because if they do, they will get burned? No. Of course not. Why? Because they will not. It is not Reality. It is not True. Now I would warn my Children to stay away from the operating Stove. Why? Because if they touch the hot Stove, they WILL get burned. It is real. It is Reality. Witchcraft is the hot Stove.

Why would God, waste His time, warning you, to stay away from something that doesn't exist? Why would He warn you against something that is not real? Why would He name this the Sixth "Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh?" If it were not real, God would not waste His, or our, time.

Is it in Hollywood? Yup. But so is the Devil. Only thing is, the Devil is not some red faced, horned head, tail waging, pichfork yielding, demon from Hell. Truth is, he is the fairest of all the Angels. The first Angel. Truth is, if he were to appear in his natural state, a majority of the the Church would fall at his feet to worship him, thinking he was Jesus returning. Do not be fooled.

"There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God."{Deuteronomy 18:10-13}

So God warns His People against making "his son or his daughter to pass through the fire" {Human Sacrifice, or in modern terms, some see this as equal to an Abortion.} Divination {the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by Supernatural means.} "Observer of Times" {same as Astrology or Stargazing. It is another form of Divination. This also includes Horoscopes or anything that takes the place of God's Direction in your Life.} an Enchanter {A Magician; or Sorcerer. One who casts Spells; or Bewitches.} A Witch {a person who practices Magic. One who deals with Demonic Spirits . It does not matter if they practice Black or White Magic. There is no such thing as good magic.}

A Charmer {To put a spell upon someone; to change things by the use of Magic} A Consulter with Familiar Spirits {A Medium who believes, or wants you to believe, they are contacting the dead,} A Wizard {A Male Witch, a Sorcerer, or Magician, Conjurer; one who uses Magic to have control over another person; also someone who uses Magic to change Nature} A Necromancer {A person who claims they have spoken with those who have died already. Contact is made for Magical and Fortune Telling purposes}

Do you remember the Story in Daniel 5? This is where the phrase "The writing on the wall" came from. King Belshazzar was having a Party. He commanded that all the stolen Golden and Silver vessels, which his Father Nebuchadnezzar, had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, was to be brought in for himself and those with him could drink out of them. The Party was ON. Dancing, Drinking, Partying with his Princes, Wives, and his Concubines. They were having a GREAT time. They were also Praising their Idols. The Idols, they called gods "of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone."

But then it happened..

"In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom." {Daniel 5:5-7}

Imagine being at this Party? When all of a Sudden, a body-less Hand. A Hand without a Body, writes "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin." on the Wall? This is a Supernatural event. Now you could surmise that they were merely Drunk or Stoned, or something to this effect. However, The Writing on the Wall never went away. It was there.

So the King, seeing this Supernatural Event, called for the Supernatural. He called for for Astrologers and Soothsayers. He called for Witches and Wizards. He even made a Oath, that whosoever could read this, he would make a Ruler in the Land, over a Third of the Kingdom.

The problem? No one could read it. So the Queen, who was not at the Party, heard of these things going on. She came in and told King Belshazzar about Daniel and the fact that his Father, King Nebuchadnezzar, trusted in Daniel and found he had the "Spirit of God" with him. So, King Belshazzar called for Daniel.

Then Daniel came and spoke with the King. The King made the same Oath to Daniel. Daniel said, keep it. Give your gifts to others, yet I will interpret the writing for you for free. Then Daniel spoke telling him what his Father did. That God made him King and gave him total Authority. However, he became Prideful and lost his Kingdom. Now of course King Belshazzar knew all this. Yet he did the same thing. Daniel told the King, what the writing said..

"Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." {Daniel 5:26-28}

It was in that very night, that King Belshazzar was killed and Darius the Median took the Kingdom.

The Supernatural is REAL. Witches are REAL. Wizards, Mediums, Psychics, are REAL. Oh, of course, I would be willing to bet you that for every real one, there are a Hundred phonies. Scam Artists just trying to milk you out of your money. But there are REAL ones. However, that is most likely NOT Grandma you are talking to. Especially if Grandma was a Child of God when she Passed.

Again, just like you would not waste your time warning your Children against things that are not real, things that cannot hurt them, your Heavenly Father will not warn you against things that are not real, things that cannot hurt you.

"Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God." {Leviticus 19:31}

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Idolatry

Idolatry

Welcome today. Today we continue our Seventeen Part Series, entitled, "The Poisonous Fruit of the Flesh." Number four, Idolatry. Now Idolatry is also the Second Commandment..

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." {Exodus 20:5-7}

Now Idolatry is of course, any Statue, or likeness, of "any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." That would include that Statue of Saint Peter, Paul, Luke, or John, by the way. That would include that Statue of this or that Saint, by the way. That would include that Statue of Mary, by the way. That would also include that Statue of Jesus or the Crucifix, by the way.

There is nothing wrong with being a good "Christian." Being a good "Catholic." "Jew." "Muslim." Whatever. There is nothing wrong with having faith in the Church. However, when you read Jesus is the "Way, Truth, and Life," and your Church or Religion does not teach you that Jesus is the "Door," then you are in the wrong Religion. If you read "Thou shalt not commit Idolatry" and walk into a Church and see people worshiping at the foot of Statues and Praying to this and that Saint, you may want to rethink this. There is nothing wrong with obedience to a certain Church or Religion, as long as that Church and Religion is teaching you the Truth according to God. Not solely the Traditions of Men.

See, as the Word declares,,,,

"Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:" {Deuteronomy 4:15-19}

Again, The Word declares,,,

"Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good." {Jeremiah 10:1-5}

That Statue is not alive. That Statue can do nothing for you. It is a work of Man's Hands and has no power or authority. It will not protect you, and it also, cannot harm you. It is nothing. A work of Art? Maybe. But it means nothing. When the Heavens and Earth shall pass away, so shall these Idols. Why? Because "there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish." {Jeremiah 10:14-15}

"And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven." {Deuteronomy 4:19}

Can you say Astrology? Horoscopes and such? I have known people that will not leave their homes until they find out what their Horoscopes say about their day. The Sun, Moon, and Stars will not protect you, nor keep you safe. When you look upon them, you are looking at a Creation. They are to God, what the most beautiful building is to man. They are Created things. They have no life in them.

See, the concept is simple. Do you want protection, blessings, and strength from the Creation, or the Creator? Someone comes into your house to do you or your Family harm, what do you want on your side? The one that Created all things? The one who, with a swipe of His hand, wiped out the entire Earth? The one that with a Word created and destroyed entire Cities? One that can, if it is His will, send a Legion of Angles, to wipe out all your enemies? Or a Statue of an Artist's conception of what they would like, Jesus or Mary to look like? A Statue that will be knocked over, or perhaps even stolen itself, and sold for money.

You know, that's another thing. I can almost guarantee that when Jesus DOES return, if He was to walk into a Church, or your House, and see a Picture of Himself, or a Statue of Himself, He most likely would not know who it is. Seriously, unless you are 2000 plus years old, you do not know what Jesus, or Mary, or the Disciples actually look like. So we would have to rely on Logic, if it is at all important to you.

Take a Time Machine,,, just kidding. Get on a Plane. Go to Africa. Look around. What do you see? Africa Folks. Same Africa Folks that have been there 2000 years. Now head to China. Look around. What do you see? Chinese Folks, Same Chinese Folks that have been there 2000 years. Now go to Bethlehem in Judea. Look around. What do you see? JEWISH Folks. Same Jewish Folks that have been there 2000 years. Now this is where Logic comes in.

If Jesus was African, He would have looked like them. If He was born in Beijing, He would look like them. But HE WAS JEWISH. He was born in Bethlehem in Judea. His Earth Mother was Jewish. He was Born to Save the Jewish People. He looked like THEM. He is NOT, White with Blonde Hair and Blue eyes. He is NOT Black. He is Jewish. So? Logic says, if your Statue, or Picture, of Jesus, is anything but, it is a falsehood.

Not that any of that matters. He is also God. He created all things. When He returns, He will come as Himself. A Mighty Warrior to destroy all things evil on this Earth, and to Bring the Faithful Home. That Statue will not do anything but be destroyed with everything else.

Remember the key? Jesus. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Not this Saint or that one. Not Mary. Not the Statues or Pictures of Jesus, but Jesus Himself. That Statue of whatever, has no life in it. It will do you no good. Neither will any other than Jesus Himself. Mary, the Prophets, John, Paul, Peter, whatever, were for a time, and are now in Heaven with God. Just like you will be when you leave. So they can not do anything for you themselves. Let alone their likenesses.

Also remember this. You can also commit Idolatry, by placing ANYTHING before God Himself. Is your JOB your god? Is your Money, your god? Are those addictions, hobbies, or even a Loved One, more important to you than God? That may be your Idol. Be careful Child of God. "The Lord God is a Jealous God.." Make sure you put Him first in your Life.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Lasciviousness

Lasciviousness

Lasciviousness - la-siv'-i-us-nes 1.inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man. 2. arousing sexual desire: lascivious photographs. 3. indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or lewdness: a lascivious gesture.Unbridled Sensuality; Excess Sensuality.

Now if you have a newer version of the Bible. You may not even know what this word is. It's not in there. Example? Mark 7:22–23, Jesus is teaching what defiles a Man, He lists the things that come from his heart which includes lasciviousness. Yet, in the NIV and other newer versions of the Bible, it changes the word " lasciviousness" to the word "lewdness." In the NLT, "lustful desires."

Now in Galatians, Paul writes this..

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness" {Galatians 5:17-19}

Now in the NIV, it reads

"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;"

Do they mean the same thing?

In a sense, yes. Lasciviousness IS lewdness and debauchery. {Excessive indulgence in Sensual Pleasures.} It is Wantonness {sexually immodest or promiscuous. Synonyms: promiscuous, immoral, immodest, indecent, shameless, unchaste, fast, loose, impure, abandoned, lustful, lecherous, lascivious, libidinous, licentious, dissolute, debauched, degenerate, corrupt, whorish, disreputable}

Remember that story I told you about, the two young girls, wearing what I have been told is Band-aid Shorts? Their bare Buttocks on total display, with their {assuming} Father, walking behind them? He had to clearly see that their bare Bottoms where totally visible to everyone. But, let's leave him aside. Here are two beautiful young, and I mean young, young girls showing EVERYONE their Backsides.

We talked about this other new trend that I have see growing. Girls, all ages, going Bra-less. In some cases, they are also wearing completely see through shirts, or shirts that clearly show "Side Boob." In some cases, they are wearing both. Band-aid Shorts, and revealing Tops.

Now what happens when some Men see them? Yup. They start to Fantasize. They start to play that movie projector of the Mind. Some, if they are not self controlled, may even turn violent towards some of these girls. Why? In their head, they justify it. "Hey, she is showing me everything. She must be into it." Now do not get me wrong here. Am I blaming victims of Rape? Of course not. I'm simply stating fact. This is the way MANY Violent Offenders attempt to justify their actions.

However, I do have a question. Let's get real here. Let's tell the truth. If you do not want someone looking at you, why do you dress the way you do? Seriously. You cannot get offended if you are putting everything on display, if someone notices you have everything on display. I remember a Court Case with a Famous Actress who was attempting to Sue someone for taking their picture and posting the Picture for all to see.

The Judge threw out the Case. Why? Because the Actress was at a NUDE BEACH. She was out there walking around for ALL to see. Yet she got mad that someone took her picture. Here is a tip, if you do not want people starting at your naked or somewhat naked body, uh, COVER UP!! Do not go out in public naked..

It is not just for your own well being, but by you going out in public in the manor that you are, you are, "arousing sexual desire." One of the very definitions of Lasciviousness. Not only are you guilty of being "sexually immodest or promiscuous," but also " indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or lewdness."

It's NOT just Style. It's NOT just Trends. It IS Sin. It is dangerous. It IS Lasciviousness. It IS a Poisonous Fruit of the Flesh.

Paul warns us in his letter to the Romans...

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." {Romans 8:5-8}

A little later..

"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." {Romans 13:13-14}

Paul even tells us how to do this in his letter to "God's holy people in Colossae"

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." {Colossians 3:2-4}

See, you have to set your Mind on God. Set your Mind on His Word. Pray, read His Word, exercise your Faith. Just like we go to the gym to workout our bodies, to make them look good, and to give us more strength, and better health, we need to exercise our Spirits. Your Faith will grow stronger in time.

One of the problems we have with understanding Righteous Dress, or abstaining from Lasciviousness, is some of our Churches have stopped teaching these things. They are open to allowing our people, even our Children, to do whatever they will. Some, not only accept it, they justify it.

Peter, when writing about False Teachers, he wrote in 2 Peter 2,

"Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute."

And

"For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error."

When Peter, speaking to us, Children of God, He says this..

"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you" {1 Peter 4:1-4}

Again, it doesn't matter what Religion says. Some of our Churches are even accepting, and worse Justifying, Homosexuality. It does not matter what Man says. It does not matter what the trend is. It does not matter what year it is. All that should matter to you, as a Child of God, is what GOD says.

Once again, for your own protection and well being, to ensure that you are not being "sexually immodest or promiscuous," or " indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or lewdness," simply look in the mirror BEFORE you go out. Pray to God even if you need to and ASK Him, "does this look OK?" It really is not difficult to understand. Just be modest. Also remember this, if you do not want people starting at your naked or somewhat naked body, uh, COVER UP!! Do not go out in public naked..

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Feeling Better, Thank You To All

Continuing the Series This Sunday

Hey folks,

First and foremost, Thank you to God for my Healing, and what I have no doubt, with be a FULL Recovery. Second, A VERY strong Thank You to all of you, for your Prayers and kind words the last week.

Yeah, Friday I go up, went to work, everything was fine. About 2:30 pm, I felt like I was hit by a Mac Truck. Of course I just worked the rest of the day and went home. Saturday? Eh. Not bad, not good. Then Sunday came. Got up, coughing, tired. No energy. No after years of Smoking, I have become prone to Bronchitis. About once of twice a year. I know what that feels like. This was not it.

So about 11:30 am, I asked my Wife Laura to take me to the Hospital. Now if you have known me for ANY time, you KNOW I NEVER say, hey, let's go to the Hospital. I would also never entertain being ADMITTED into the Hospital. Just give me good drugs and I'm be on my way.

So we get to the Hospital, and they ran some Preliminary Tests. It was not long when a very nice Doctor showed up in full self protection garb saying, "Congratulations Mr. Carlock. Not only do you have the Flu, but you have Pneumonia. You win a Private Room and a few day stay with us..  My only response? OK.

I have to say, EVERYONE, at Martin Memorial South Hospital in Martin County was FANTASTIC!!! Seriously, the Doctors, Nurses, PCTs, even my new older Gentlemen Friend from Dietary were all GREAT. Meghan? Meghan is a Nurse in training, she was absolutely incredible. She is going to go a LONG way in the Health-field industry. She just is a Natural Caregiver.

Well, thanks to the great care by all, and thanks to all your Prayers and Kind Words, I was released Tuesday afternoon. Now I still have a ways to go. A LONG way to go. Can't leave the house until Sunday, which I think is a test, but I am on the mend.

Also thanks to Meghan and others there, I have also decided to make MAJOR changes. No more Tobacco, Electronics, Or anything else that will effect my breathing. No more of this Quitting, going back Quitting garbage. No more Soda. No more extra Sugar. No Sugar in my Coffee. Cutting WAY back on the Coffee. Better diet all together. Water, will most likely be my new go to drink. Life is just too short..

The good news, I'm out. I'm Home. I'm healing. And we will pick up where we left off here this Sunday with Part 5 of our 17 Part Series "The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh " "The Poisonous Fruit Of the Flesh, Lasciviousness"   Won't ya join us? I'm looking forward to getting back to a semblance of a routine..

Again, thank you all, so very much. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Peter    

Peter's Absence

Hey Child of God, Guests, and Visitors. Peter is currently in a Local Hospital, Battling to get better. He requested to be brought Sunday afternoon, where they discovered that not only did he have a Flu, but he also has Pneumonia as well. They have been taking very good Care of him. Many are Praying for him and sending him Healing Wishes and Good Vibes. There is no doubt in Peter's heart that he will return here to Tag this Sunday. And of course, he apologizes for his absence..

Until next time be blessed. Jesus is Lord..