God IS in Charge of Establishing Leaders

Establishing those in Power.

Can this possibly be true? Seriously. How can Romans 13:1-2 be true?

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

I did not vote for Trump. I did not vote for Obama. I cannot believe that God appointed them to office. That is completely ridiculous.

What does God's Word say?

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."

But how is this possible? What if they are not Godly? What if they are downright Evil? What does God's Word say?

"Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:18-21

You see, it is not up to you. God establishes all Leaders. WAIT!!!! What about this? Hosea 8:4

"They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction."

Doesn't that completely contradict what you are saying? God, Himself says "They" made Kings. "They" set up Princes. It was not God's will.

Well, Yes, and No. Idols that some see as kings or gods, that have no life in them, is no leader. As for Humans, it was never God's Will for His Chosen People to have a King other than Him. God was to be their King. He was to be their Leader. But they kept crying out to Him for one. He even warned them against it. He told them what would happen and that there would be hard and evil Kings along with the good ones. {I Samuel 8:10-22} They insisted on having an Earthly King. So God granted it. He established the King that they thought they wanted. He appointed them a King.

If you read through Kings. You see some were good, and some were bad. Most were bad. But all were appointed and established by God. It was because the people rejected God Himself as their King, that God started appointing earthly Kings over them. There is no contradiction.

We even see God's Word tell us we should pay taxes.

"Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." Romans 13: 7

Remember what Jesus told the one who asked Him if His Disciples should pay taxes?

"Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him." Mark 12:17

We need to Pay Taxes. We need to be obedient to earthly authorities. Why? God said so. But what about the bad ones? What about those that do evil? How could God have possibly established someone in power the harms His own people?

You know, as a side note here. There are so many people that ask this question because the person they do not like won the election. I have news for you. Trump is not the Antichrist. Obama was not the Antichrist. Increasing taxes, or enacting a policy you do not like is not equal to Concentration camps, being Crucified or fed to lions for sport. Or some of the other common practices from all around the World. Starvation and tortures to death for no other reason than you believe in Jesus. So if you live in this country? In America? Get over yourself.

However, what about these people. What about the Hitlers and the evil leaders? Am I saying God established them? Yes. I understand that this is a hard message to hear. I understand it is a tough message to receive. However, this does not change the truth.

Turn to Exodus. we see Pharaoh, one of the evilest of all leaders ever, doing the evilest things ever. What did God say to Him? He said,

"But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." Exodus 9:16

He said I could wipe you out at any time. I could have stopped all this evil you were doing before this, yet?

"But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth."

God tells us in His Word that He is the potter, we are the clay.

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?" Isaiah 45:9

And here,

"But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?" Romans 9:20-21

Remember, Jesus chose His twelve, including the one He knew would betray Him. Did God create Judas for this very reason? Possibly yes. Look at Jude,

"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." Jude 1:3-4

Read that part again. "who long ago were designated for this condemnation," God creates all things. Say "all things." He created every human who has ever walked the earth. Say "every human." God is in charge of all things. Say "all things." God establishes every leader.

As Children of God, we need to be in submission to our Earthly Leaders up to the point they start to violate God's Law. When this happens, then we ought to Pray about it and follow what God says to do. It may be for this simple fact that God appointed them to a place of power and authority. "to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." sayth the Lord.

We do our Part. Pray for and obey our Leaders. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." "respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." The evil leader and the just are both in God's hand for a reason. They, like you, like me, will all pay according to their own deeds, in the end time. You need not worry about them. Worry for yourself. Trust that God IS in charge.

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 9

Chapter 9 

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”  And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?  For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” he then said to the paralytic “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went through all that district.

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

God IS in Charge, Your Daily Needs

God IS in charge of your needs.

Is your job in charge of your needs? The company or organization you are working for is at the mercy of profit. If they do not make money, they can not afford to pay you. Due to economic situations, you may go into work on Monday, and find you no longer have a job. They need to find ways to keep the company going, and if that means cutting you, you will be cut. Now, do they do this for a personal reason? No. It just happens. You were costing the company or organization more than they could afford to pay you. I understand, it really is hard not to take it personally. But for the most part? It really isn't.

Here you are, driving home, fearful of the future. I know some that go to work every day, fearful that it is their last. Is there anything you could have done to stop the loss of your job? Probably not. Is there anything you can do driving home, to change the fact you lost your job? Nope. So why worry about it?

You have an unfair advantage. You really do. Remember, you are a Child of God. Remember, God promised you, your needs will be met. In Luke 12:22-31

"And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

You see, as a Child of God, The God of gods, the King of Kings, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, is your Daddy. You think He will not meet your needs? Think of a rich man. Would he not give all he has to his Son or Daughter if they became in need? Of course. God is far richer than the richest man. So you do not have to fear the loss of a job. As a side note. You also do not need to kill yourself trying to make that next dollar.

When you think about what reality really is, and you come to the recognition of who you are as a Child of God, a job is nothing to worry about. What about those that worry about war? World peace? Famines in other parts of the world? Worry about the end of the world? What about those that worry about what others think of them? Worry about crime. Worry about sickness. Worry about the choices their loved ones make?

None of this really matters. You do not control world governments. You do not control sickness and disease. You can not make the decisions your loved ones need to make on their own. Even your kids. You do not control crops. You do not control the world.

Truth is, what is important for you to think about, is who you are. Learn who your Father is. Did Noah control the flood? Nope. He built an Ark to ride it out. He obeyed God. Did Job worry about losing everything, including his health? Nope. He endured it. Did Jesus Himself control His torture and Crucifixion? Nope. He endured it because He knew it must come to pass.

But people think I'm weird and I am ignorant. They say trusting God to meet my needs is foolish and I need to grow up and fend for myself. This whole Faith thing? People call people that have Faith names and think that they are stupid. I do not want to be thought of this way. Remember what Jesus told His Disciples, He is telling you also, that many will not hear His Word.

"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." John 8:43

But that is no excuse for not telling them the truth. In. Luke 10

"After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town."

God is your Daddy. In most cases, He is NOT theirs. Who is smarter? You are a Child of God. As Romans 8 declares.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Nothing any other human can do can separate you from the love of God. There is nothing anyone can do to you. including the taking of your life. Remember what Jesus said about fearing those that can take your life? Matthew 10:28

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

This is because, once you become a Child of God, you become an Heir to the Kingdom. I use Colossians 3:10 when I give the "Prayer of Salvation" because it makes it clear. 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." The new you is immortal. You will be in a far better place. You will be in Heaven. With the Lord. So who wins?

Temptations will come. The devil will tempt you. Bad things will happen. These things will happen, if you believe them or want them, or not. But God knows who you are. He knows your heart. He will strengthen you. He will comfort you. He will forgive you. But do not think that as a Child of God, you will not have to face trials and tribulations. No. Greater than you did before, you will now. Don't worry about them. You can't change them. All you can do is endure. Learn from them. Strengthen others afterward.

People worry about the silliest things. We really do. What is not in our control, we should not worry about. We must trust in God. He knows our hearts. He knows our minds. He knows what is going on in our life. He knows more about it than we do. Do you know, right now, there are two coworkers of yours, talking on the phone, and plotting how to get you into trouble, because of whatever reason?

Did you know that your car is about to break down? The computer chip is going to fail today on your way home? God does.

Did you know the devil is going to meet you today, and tempt you with something that sounds incredible? God does.

Do you know if you will give in to the temptation? God does.

Do you know right now that there are Governments plotting and planning attacks on each other? God does. God is God. He knows all things always. God does.

Some things in life, some moments in time, are completely fixed. They MUST come about, for whatever reason. You can't stop them. You can't change them. You cannot even avoid them. They will happen. How you chose to deal with them, will affect you more, than the events themselves. Why worry about the things that you cannot change?

Trust in God. He is your Father. Have Faith in Christ. He is your Savior. Listen to the Holy Spirit. He is in you. You are a blood-bought, duly cleansed, Child of God. Worry? "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Some things are not ours to change, but for us to endure. Why worry about them? But as a Child of God, endure you can.

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 8

Chapter 8

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.

God IS in Charge, Family.

God's Plan for Family.

Today, we are going to talk about family. Yes. There is a right way, and a wrong way, to do family. There is the world's Family Plan, and then there is God's Family Plan. Let's start by saying, family? It is pretty important to God. We can start back in Genesis. Back at the very creation of man.

"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him." Genesis 2:18

Then in Genesis 2:24

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

God created man, then woman, then marriage. All back in the beginning. Leaving aside the whole fall of man thing for a second, we see that family is the most important non-God related thing on Earth. Then again, a family is not actually supposed to be non-God related. A righteous living family is all about God. It is so important that it is the fifth Commandment and the first with promise.

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

Here is God's plan for the family. We are born, learn and grow, leave our father and mother, come together and Marry, becoming one. God's plan for us is that as parents, you take care of your children, raising them in the ways they should go, and then later in life, if needed, your children should be able, and willing, to care for you.

However, this is one of those teachings that have been twisted, manipulated, and even forsaken, by some churches. It is also not necessarily "Politically Correct." That doesn't change the fact that God has a very clear plan for our earthly family. In Ephesians 5:20-24

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."

Now here is the first bone of contention by some. They say that this means that women should be subservient. That if her husband was to become abusive, tough! If her husband cheats on her. Too bad. That she must be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, hanging on every command from her husband.

That is simply not the case. First, as I heard it recently put, nowhere in the Word does it tell anyone to follow anyone into Sin. Second, they fail to continue on reading. Ephesians 5:25-33

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

First, let's leave aside the fact that God says we become one flesh. Which means we are equal. God tells us that man ought to love their wives as Jesus loved the church and died for it. Jesus would do anything He was able to do for the church. As we, {speaking to the men} should towards our own wives.

What God also says about men is that WE are responsible for the family. We are responsible for going before God and seeking His Will and His way for us. Then going back and teaching the family what God teaches us. We are responsible for meeting the needs of our family. We are responsible for all things. Being a husband and father is not something that should be taken lightly. It is an honor and great responsibility.

Continuing in. Ephesians 6:1-4

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Does this mean that children must allow themselves to be abused? God forbid. Does it mean that parents can abuse their children? Of course not. However, parents should be raising their children in the ways of the Lord.

" Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

The Word tells us plainly, that we need to teach our children the Word of God. We need to teach them the Ten Commandments as an example.

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:7

Again.

"You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.." Deuteronomy 11:19 

In reference to the ways of God...

"Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.." Psalm 34:11

Psalm 132:12

"If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever   shall sit on your throne."

God calls for Parents to correct them when needed. Yes, that includes corporal punishment. Proverbs 22:15

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him."

Proverbs 23:13

"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die"

You see, true education should always begin from the home. Parents, you are raising your children. They will go out into the world and learn things about the world. They must have a strong foundation so that they are not lead astray. So that they will not be lead to sins.
Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Again, this is not saying that it is OK to beat your child. It is not saying that it is OK for husbands to abuse their wives. God IS Love. God wants us to love our families the way God loves us. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."

Jesus told us we can sum up all the Commandments of God in two. "Have no other God before God, and love they neighbor as thyself."

In an ideal world, the man, husband, should be the one going out into the world and providing for the family. The wife should be staying home, caring for the house and raising the children. children should be allowed to be children. Growing, playing, learning.

I understand we do not live in a perfect, nor ideal world. Today, most of the time, both parents need to go out and work. This puts a strain on the family unit. We have turned over the education of our children to others. Then, on top of that, we have even removed God out of the entire system. We have created dumping grounds for our old, and forsaken God's plan for our family. Then we wonder why our divorce rate is rising. We wonder why our single-family homes are increasing in numbers as well. We wonder why youth crime is rising, and why our teen suicide rate is skyrocketing.

As with all things, if we would only follow God's plan, we would be so much happier. Our lives would be so much easier. We would have so much more peace. Learn what it means to have a Righteous Family. Conduct yourself in that manner.

Live for God. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Both in your earthly family and in the world. Be a living example of the love of God which is shown through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Keep in mind, our children learn far more from us, by watching us what we do, than hearing us, what we say. Be the family God wants us to be.

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 believed He raised from the dead. 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 your 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 7

Chapter 7 

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

God IS In Charge, Life and Death

Life and Death

How many can say, "I know, beyond any doubt, God IS in charge."? God IS in charge. He is in charge of Life and Death. What else matters? He gave you life. He gave you eternal life. He is over death itself. What else is there to fear? We will be talking about this today, but even in light of this, we still fail to see God in charge sometimes?

God IS in charge of your Family.
God IS in charge of your needs.
God IS in charge of appointing leaders.
God IS in charge of the future.

Let us begin today with the fact that God IS in charge of life and death itself. If you were to truly get this truth, you would not worry about anything else. God said this.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

He created everything!

"For by him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16

Then He created Mankind, Genesis 1:26, and then at His appointed time, He created you.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16

You are the way you are because God said so. You are exactly the way you are because God said so. He created you. Then comes the "Five Steps of an Anointed Life." Romans 8:29-30

"For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

He foreknew to, brought your Parents together, to bring you forth. He set up and plan and purpose for you and your life. Then He calls you. This is where you come in. "Yes." or "No." Which is your answer? If you say "Yes." Then He justifies you. A time of preparation and equipping. Then step five, Glorification.

For this conversation, I will assume you said "Yes." You are now a Child of God. He is now your Father. He is now in total charge of you and your life. More importantly than that, He is now in charge of your death.

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

We have nothing to fear. Death is simply a part of life. I will repeat that. Death is not a punishment, a curse, or something to be feared. It is simply a part of Life.

"For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:10-8

Say that part again. "a time to be born, and a time to die." Is being born something to fear? No. Of course not. Everything dies at some point. You will die too. Sorry for the spoiler. So should we fear death? No. If you are a Child of God, it is a far better place you are going than this of which you leave here.

Here is something you really need to get. There is a time. Your time. There will come a day that will be your last day on this earth. Yet? It is God appointed. God ordained. God controlled. Not the Worlds. Not a sickness. Not fellow Mankind. God. You are not going anywhere until God says so.

Moses escaped death as a baby. Escaped death from Pharaoh. {Exodus} David defeated Goliath A tiny young teen against a heavily armed and armored giant with a slingshot and rock. {1 Samuel 17} Paul? Well? Put in prison over and over. Faced death over and over. Received 39 lashes from the Jews 5 times. Beaten with rods 3 times. Stoned one time. Shipwrecked 3 times. He spent a day and night in the Sea. Often hungry and thirsty, cold and naked. I guess you could say he had some Trials and Tribulations. You can find Paul explaining this in {2 Corinthians 11}.

There is no man that is going to end your life before God is ready to receive you into the Kingdom.

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" Luke 12:4-5

We should not fear any person. We should not hate them either. We should love and forgive them. Bless those that hate you. {Romans 12:14-21}

Remember God said this.

"Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’" Deuteronomy 32:35

Paul reminds us of this when he said this.

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Romans 12:19

So if God is, and make no mistake about it, He IS, in charge of Life and Death, why should you fear anything else? Are you fearing for your family? Do you have a bunch of drama in your family? Is God in charge? Are you fearful of your Job, or your needs being met? Is God in charge? Are you fearful of who may win the upcoming Election? Is God in charge? Are you fearful of the future? Is God in charge? Of course, He is. Of course, He is in charge of it all. Want to have a happy family? No fear for your needs, leaders, or future itself? Realize that God IS in charge of it all. More on a Godly Family next time.

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 believed He raised from the dead. 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!

Book of Mathew, Chapter 6

Chapter 6 

 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[e] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Planing for The Future, 401 E

What are you working for? 

If I ask you, most people, "How is your 401 K?" you, and most people, would be able to tell me. Pretty good. Lost some but building back. It could be better. ETC. Most people are fully aware of their financial status looking ahead to the future.

We have people whose entire career is to manage your money today, so you have the most possible for tomorrow. Our Stock Market and Banks have become like Churches for most. Money is their God. The worry of tomorrow has some paralyzed in dealing with today. People tell you all the time that you must do this or that. Set 10 percent of our salary aside. 20 percent. 30 if you can. You need to save as much as you can now, while you can, while there is income coming in so when there is not, we will be OK.

You seem to have your 401 K down. What about your 401 E? Your Eternal Retirement Plan. Oh, there is such a thing. Remember what Jesus taught us? Luke 12:16-21

"And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”"

Why would Jesus tell us this? Turn to Matthew 6:19-21

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust  destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Have you ever thought about that? "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also?" It sounds like this. Does it not? Matthew 6:24

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

There will be a very distinct difference in reward. But there will be a reward. Look at John 5:28-29.

" Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment."

Wait. Have you ever heard it put this way? "those who have done good, to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgement." Oh, there will be a resurrection for all. Some Translations say "Rise" "Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."

We will all "Rise." We are all eternal beings. There IS a resurrection for every Man, Woman, and Child. Are you thinking Up? Planning for your Eternal Retirement Plan? Or are you thinking down? Are you storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven, or, are you trying to build barns?

According to 2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

John gives us a behind the scenes peek at this in Revelation 20:12-13

"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done."

You see, the choice is yours. You can think about yourself, and today, and or, you can think up. This next story I would like to share with you is a tough one. It really is. Jesus told us this story in Luke 16:19-31

"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’  But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’  And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house for I have five brothers so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’  But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead."

Now that is a harsh story. It really is. But it is simply a matter of choice. The rich man saw Lazarus every day. He never concerned himself with anything more than himself. Also, the rich man knew the Word of God. He chose to not accept it. Lazarus was obviously faithful enough to be saved by God. All about choices. Which direction do you choose to think? Earthly or Heavenly?

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!