Outside Influences

Warm and dry. 

When it is storming, raining, snowing, wind blowing, thunder and lightening, you can remain warm and dry. Why? You are inside your Home. When it is cold outside, you are warm. When it is hot outside, you are cool. Why? Because you are inside your Home. When it is dark outside, you are in the light. When it is scary outside, you are comfortable. Why? You are inside your Home.

For the most part, no matter what is happening outside, has little effect when you are inside your house. When you are inside your home, you do not care what the weather. You are protected from the outside influences because you are warm and dry inside your home.

Truth is, this is now you, in the physical sense. You are not the crude matter that makes up your body. You are far more than that. You are far more than your arms and legs. Far more than the color of your eyes or hair. You are not what you appear to be to all others, or even yourself when you look in the mirror. You, the REAL you, is inside that. Your body is your home. It is what allows you to operate in the physical realm. Just like your home made of wood and brick, your body surrounds the real you. It may get wet, hot, cold, wind blown, whatever, but you, the real you, is safe and warm inside.

As a Child of God, you are no longer alone inside. According to Jesus Himself...

John 14:

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

17 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.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 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.

22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 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.

24 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.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 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.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

In....

1 Corinthians 6:

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

So you are no longer alone in the body. You have a Helper. You should fear nothing. In.... 

Hebrews 13:

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Though it may be storming outside, you are not outside, but inside. Together with the Holy Spirit. Greater is He that is in you than in all the world.

2 Timothy 1:

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Romans 8, no doubt, one of my favorite Chapters in the entire Book, gives us a very clear and distinct difference in walking in the flesh, and in the Spirit. Remember, walking in the flesh, concerns you with the things of the flesh. Walking in the Spirit, concerns you of the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

In the flesh means means concern for the body. Doing the things that are "good" for the body. It would be like you outside your Home, trying to protect it from the slightest rain or wind, instead of staying inside and being protected. Walking in the Spirit, could be translated, staying inside during the storm without much though of the Home that surrounds us. Remember, we are not alone...

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

If you were Home alone, I could understand you fearing during the storm. But you are not alone. The Same Spirit that was inside Jesus, when He was awoken and calmed the storms, is in YOU.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:Remember what Jesus said about being born again? 

John 3:

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

So, when you receive the Spirit of Adoption, He, the Holy Spirit, comes down from Heaven, teaches you, comforts you, and leads you to Heaven at the appointed time. He, who was in Christ, who is in the Father, is now in you. Which means, you are in Christ, and God Himself. You are now a Child of God...Together with the Spirit, Romans 8 tells us....

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In...

1 John 4:

4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Jesus suffered all Sin that is, was, or ever will be. He overcame Death itself. So now you can as well, simply by asking Him, The Holy Spirit, to come into your life. He has already won the battles.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Now we already know that Jesus tells us that we should take no thought of what to wear, eat, or anything that can be considered a need. He tells us that our needs shall be met. But it's not just our needs. In...

Philippians 4:

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

It is The Spirit in us that makes all things seem a bit trivial. If we accept God's Word as absolute fact and Truth, then we know that nothing created can ever separate us from the love of God through Jesus the Christ. Through the Spirit.

Though it may be storming outside, though trials and tribulations will come, no matter what happens to our Home, or Body, we should have the peace of knowledge that we are not alone. That even to the point that our Home is destroyed, or our body dies, we go to our new Home. We win. Sudden death, sudden victory.

Jesus tells us this story in.....

Luke 18:

9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

It is not ourselves that set us free. It is not ourselves that cleanse ourselves of Sins. It is the Holy Spirit. It is Jesus. It is God. It is our Spirit Person, the real us, that is responsible for our actions. It is our Spirit Person that lives on. It is who and what we really are.

The body is nothing more than our Earthly Home. It, like everything else in the World is temporal. It is created, exists, becomes dust in time. It is our shelter. But just like our Homes, it will grow old and fall apart. It will "Die." We will not. 

Think about that. It doesn't matter if you are in your House, at Work or School, in Jail, sleeping in the streets, or anything else. YOU are Home. You are free. You have a comforter and a Helper that shall never leave you nor forsake you.

So the next time, no matter where you are, what you are doing, whatsoever storms may come, know this. Inside, you are warm and dry. Inside you are in the light. Inside, you can be shielded from any outside influences. No one can ever take that away from you. 

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Is the Comforter, who's name is the Holy Spirit, in you? 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

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

May The Faith Be With You

Does it control your actions?

We have talked about the difference in Faith and Traditions of men. We have talked about Faith without works. We have talked about Hebrews chapter 11, briefly. How Faith is the power of God. Working in your daily lives. Many "Christians" have Faith. Many Children of God have Faith, as for as much they believe in God and Jesus and have accepted His sacrifice for their Sins.

However, Faith is more than just a belief. I have heard it said many times, I believe in God. I have read the Bible. Or at least parts of it. So I am a good person. Well? The Devil knows God. Has seen Him eye to eye. He knows the Bible. He was there when all the Books were written. He saw Jesus face to face and walked with Him. Does this mean the Devil is a good person?

Many accept the Truth of God. They accept Jesus. They pray forgiveness of their Sins, and then they live on, wondering why things happen and why their prayers seemingly go unanswered. They allow the cares of this world to over take them and they fear. Fear leads to anger. Anger to hate. Hate to Sin. Sin to death.

Faith is not merely a belief. But it is also the Power of God to work in your life. It is stronger than anything worldly. Bigger and more powerful than any problem you will ever face. So what is Faith really?

Hebrews 11:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

God tells us that He loves us. Yet we have never seen Him. He tells us Jesus came and died for our Sins. Yet, we never met Him. That we will go to live with Him in Paradise, where we have never been. He tells us that if we Pray, and doubt not in our hearts, we shall have whatsoever we ask. Yet, we see no evidence of the answer when we ask. In other words. We must operate as if what we pray about is already there, even though it is not. Already answered even though it hasn't been materialized. Live as if it is.

Luke 17:

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Mark 9:

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

You must have faith to believe, that what is not yet, already is. That what may seem ridiculous to some, and perhaps even impossible, is nothing to God. You being His child, nothing is impossible to you either.

I have a friend that is a big Star Wars fan. He thinks that Lucas created the "Force" and the entire concept of Good vs Evil and the light and Dark Side, Jedi, and Siths, etc, on Christianity. For those of you who are not Star Wars fans, sorry. But it is a good analogy.

When Luke was learning the ways of the "Force," first Obi One told him that the "Force" is what connects all things. It binds the Universe together. Yoda told him what a powerful ally the "Force" can be. Luke asked, someone, if it controlled your actions. They told him, partially, but it also obeys your commands. Luke learned to see things differently then all others. He learn to do things that seemed impossible to do. He became a Jedi.

Now if you watch the Movie, substitute God, and Faith, every time they talk about the "Force." You'll see my friend does have a point. Back to Hebrews 11.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

How does one exercise their Faith? How do you increase your Faith. How do you learn how to use your Faith? The Word of God. Praying to God. Spending time with God. Allowing the Spirit to teach you. Lead you. Guide you. Does it control your actions? It teaches you the way you should do things, so in a way, yes. But, like the "Force," Faith also obeys your commands. You must learn how to use it, and learn how to increase your Faith. There is only really one way..

Romans 10:

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

If you do not read The Word, go to Church, or Pray, how can you be filled? You may have heard the Truth, and may have even accepted it. You may be Saved. However, if you do not fill yourself, replenish, then eventually, those things you heard will fade away, and they will profit you little. You want to become more Faithful, and Faithfilled, then you need to feed on the Word of God.

When some of Jesus's Disciples came back with a man possessed, they saw Jesus heal him and cast out the devils. They asked Him, why could they not do that?

Matthew 17:

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Think about that. Jesus tells us that we can move mountains, if we have such little Faith as compared to a Mustard Seed. We have the Spirit of God Himself in us.

1 John 4:

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

As Luke learned, the "Force" is what gives a Jedi his power. Faith is what gives a Saint, a Child of God, his power. Back to Hebrews 11

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Without Faith, it is impossible to please God. You have to accept, of course, that God is God. That He is above all and the Creator of all. That He is bigger than any problem that you may face in the World. You must have Faith in God's Word, and understand what it truly means. You have to have Faith the God, your Father, is Faithful and just to forgive you of your Sins and help you along your Journey. You must have Faith that the things God tells you are as absolutely true as the things you see everyday.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

It was not raining when Noah starting building the Ark.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

This goes back to our discussion of God preparing a way where there seems to be no way. That if God tells you to do something, trust in Him, and go do it.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Think about that also. We are in the world, but we are no longer of it. We do not always have to conform to the Laws of the natural world, because we have become supernatural beings. We have received back the authority over it, that God gave to Adam, and Adam gave to Satan. Look at this story in Matthew 8. Now Matthew 8 is filled with Faith and those practicing Faith in everyday life, well, let's look at some of them....

Matthew 8:

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

No greater faith. The Centurion, not a Religious person, asked Him to heal his Servant. He understood, that even though he was not worthy, that if Jesus would, merely speak the healing, his servant would be healed. He had Faith that, one, Jesus could do it. Two, that all Jesus had to really do was speak it. Command it. Tell the Spirit of Life to enter into his house and heal his Servant, and it would be done.

Then Jesus continued on to Peter's house.

14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

21 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Can you sleep during the storms in your life? You should be able to. The same Spirit that was in Jesus, is in you. You see, we have authority over all things God created, until Adam gave that authority over to Satan. Once you become a Child of God, you get that authority back. If you have enough Faith, you can create a calm in any area of your life, and even the natural realm. I have seen storms that wipe out houses on both sides and leave the one in the middle untouched. The person in the middle house, said they Prayed the Storm away. Many call it chance, or luck, but the truth is, they may very well have. Back to Hebrews 11

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

It is by Faith that we accept Salvation. It is through Faith that we accept and come to understand the Truth according to God. It is through Faith that we can be confident that our Prayers are always answered. It is by Faith that accept and understand who we are as Children of God. It is also by Faith, that we can come to learn how to be "More than conquerors through him that loved us." {Romans 8:37)

As Children of God, we must walk in Faith....

2 Corinthians 5:

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Live by Faith.

Galatians 3:

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Do you have this mountain moving Faith? Are you confident enough to be bold enough to enter into the very Throne Room of God Himself and say "Hi Dad?" 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

May the Faith be with you. Always.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

Happy Thanksgiving

Be mindful of the things you are thankful for.

I have a lot to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my family. My Mother for giving birth to me. My Wife who takes good care of me. My Sons Joshua and Elijah. Of whom I again can see the world through the eyes of a Child. A World of Magic and Miracles. Innocent and pure.

I am thankful for my Job, in a time so many are struggling to find one.

I am thankful for my home, in a time when so many can not get one of their own, or are in the process of losing theirs.

I am thankful for being born an American. Born into the greatest country on Earth. Thankful for our Freedoms.

The Freedom to be whatever I chose to be. In a land where our Poor, have homes, cars, cell phones. On Average two TVs, Computers, and a means to an education. In a World who's poor live in huts, with no toilets, running water, or electric.

The Freedom to speak out against our Leader's Policies, without fear of punishment and death.

The Freedom to dream, and the ability to achieve that dream.

The Freedom to believe. To practice whatever Faith I believe in, anytime and anywhere I chose.

I am thankful for the Men and Women, who stand up, leave their Families, and put their dreams on hold, to take an oath, to defend those Freedoms. Those that understand that Freedom is NEVER given freely. It is ALWAYS taken and defended by force. Those that are willing to pay the ultimate price, including the laying down of their own lives, for that freedom.

But most importantly, I am thankful to God, for Life itself. For without that, we would have NOTHING. To Jesus, who loved us so, He laid down His Godhood, became flesh, and allowed Sinners to abuse and Crucify Him, for my sake, and for the sake of all mankind. For making it simple, that all can find Salvation, by simply accepting His Sacrifice.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope you have a happy and healthy Holiday. Just remember, even those with the least, have MUCH to be thankful for.
Peter

Unconditional Love

God loves you for who you are.

Who among you have Children? I always understood the concept, unconditional love, but I never really fully understood what that meant, until I had my Sons. We throw the word Love around way to freely. We love our family. We love our Friends. We love our outfits. We love our Cars. Homes. Some love our Jobs. We love everything. Movies. Music. Food. Anything we really like, we call love.

We hear this...

John 3:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

We hear God IS Love. We hear how Jesus loves us. We hear

1 John 4:

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

This all sounds so sweet. So nice. Doesn't it? But then we start thinking about these things in our worldly view. You love your car. But if it breaks down? Not so much. You love your Job, but if you Boss makes you angry, you turn your love to Hate. You love your Friends, but if they do something that angers you, you may just walk away from them and say, they are not my friends anymore. That's not unconditional love. We'll spend more time in 1 John 4 in just a few minutes.

Now for those of you who are Parents. You come the closest to understanding unconditional love. In...

Isaiah 49:

15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

You ARE a Child of God. Just like my boys, they are my Sons, I am their Father, God is ours. I am trying to raise my boys the best I can. Give them good advice, try to impart to them wisdom. Teach them the best way for them to go. I will love them no matter what they chose in the future. Nothing can ever change the fact, they are my Sons and I am their Father.

However, they will get to an age where their choices are totally their's to make. We all pilot our own ships through this wonderful and magical voyage called life. We are all the product of the choices we make. We reap the consequences of the decisions and actions we take. I cannot pilot their ships. I can not force them to do the things I would like to see them do. I cannot even protect them, if they choose unwisely.

Like we have talked about before. If I am cooking, and my Sons come to see what I am doing, I will tell them not to touch the stove or they will be burned. One listens to me, one does not. The one that does not listen, touches the stove and gets burned. The one that did listen, doesn't. Did I punish the Son who did not listen? Did I burn him? Did I reward the Son who did listen? Did I keep him from being burned? Or was the final result, solely the decisions that both boys made? One listened and obeyed the warning. One did not.

God is this way. He tells us He Loves us. He tries to teach us the ways we should go. He loves us so much He made the path and the way of Salvation simple and easy for all to obtain. It's up to us to listen. It's up to us to heed the warnings and listen to the Truth according to God. If not, we can get burned. Is it God that burns us? Surely not. It is ourselves. Let's look at....

Romans 5:

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Stop right there a second. Notice what this just said to you. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." He died for us while we were yet Sinners. While we were in the middle of our Sins. He did not say to us, you must change your ways. He did not require payment, or classes, or sacrifices from us. We could do nothing to obtain it anyway. No. He died while we were Sinners Sinning.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Remember Saul's entire existence was to murder and enslave God's Chosen People. He was in the middle of doing so,,,,

Acts 9:

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

What are you in the middle of doing right now that you feel disqualifies you from the love of God? Are you perfect? Of course not. Are you a Sinner? Of course you are. But God IS unconditional love. He loves you for who you are, not what you do. He knows what you WILL do. He understands our weakness. He understands our heart and minds. He wants for you, a better way.

Saul became Paul, who wrote what you just read in Romans. A man equal to Hitler in every way but one. Jesus said follow me, Saul said, Yes. He became one of the greatest Saints that ever lived. He became the First Pope to the non-Jews. God knew He would. God knew that even with all the things he was about to suffer for God's sake, Paul would endure til the end.

There is no Sin that can separate you from the Love of God, save one. Rejecting His Son. The only Sin you can commit that you cannot be forgiven of, is the rejection of Jesus Christ. Why? Because without Jesus, the key, you cannot receive the Spirit of Adoption, the Holy Spirit. You cannot become a Child of God. Therefore, if you are not a Child of God, you cannot be forgiven of any Sins. You cannot be blessed and loved by someone you chose to have nothing to do with.

I love my boys. However, if when older, they chose to go their own ways, and they chose to have nothing to do with me, it will be their choice. Will I still love them? Of course I will. Can I still be part of their lives and assist them? Show them love and bless them? Can I protect them from the poor decisions that they may make? Nope. I give them a key to my front door. I tell them if they even need anything, use the key and come in. One takes it, the other says, no thanks. If the one who said no thanks walks away, there is nothing I can do. If he attempts to come into my house after, he will not be able to. Why? He rejected the key.

Let's go back to....

1 John 4:

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Stop right there a second. This is why I always tell people, do not believe everything I tell you without question. Do not believe everything anyone tells you without question. Learn for yourself. The importance of the knowledge of Truth is this simple. Know the Truth, and you cannot be mislead. Understand the Truth, you will know a lie when someone tells you one. It is extremely important to get to know God for yourself. Spend time alone with Him. Talk to Him. Read the Word. Find a Church that He leads you to. Pray often. The Holy Spirit will indeed teach you all things. Trust in Him. Trust in God.

Even with these Messages that are given directly by Him, read, look them up, question, do whatever you need to do to find the Truth for yourself. This is not meant to be your Gospel. That you read this and go out into the world and do this or that because some guy named Peter told you to. I do not want you to follow me. I am Flesh. I am a Sinner. I have nothing to offer you but the Truth. Follow God. Follow Jesus. Learn from the Holy Spirit. If you read something from the Word here, and it guides you into the Word for yourself, then I have done my part. A Shower of The Way. A Teacher. A Sower of the Seed. A Helper of those in need. That is all I am. It's up to YOU to walk the walk. To Learn the Way. To receive the Truth according to God Himself.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Unconditional love is that. Love one another no matter what. If that Son of mine, that refused the key, and went off on his own returns? I shall rejoice as the story of the Wayward Son returning, that Jesus told us about, did the father of his Son. God loves you, not because of what you have done, or even will do, He loves you for who you are. We should attempt to do the same. If we should show unconditional love, being far from perfect, then how much more shall God, being Holy? By showing unconditional love is showing that we are truly Children of God. For those who reject our love, it is on them, for the decision to reject it is solely theirs.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Are you confident that God is your Father and has nothing but unconditional love for you? 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

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all.

What Is Sin?

I walked more than 3637 feet on the Sabbath. Did I Sin?

I ate meat on Friday. Did I Sin? I drank an adult beverage this past Weekend. Did I Sin? I was really bothered by this....

Hebrews 10:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

I have accepted Christ. I have been "Born again." I am a new creature according to The Word. Yet, I am not perfect. I'm going to Sin. How do I know what true Sin is? Lets look at this today. Of course you are going to Sin. 

Romans 3:

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Although you are a new creature, you are still in the flesh. The flesh is contrary to the Spirit and to God. It is Human Nature to Sin. However, 

1 John 5:

17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.

Remember what Jesus told the Rich person that ask Him "What must I do to inherent eternal life"

Mark 10:

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Now many think that Jesus was talking about Charity. That He was talking about giving to the Poor. He wasn't. What He was telling the Rich man, was that the one thing He lacked was Him. Jesus. He knew that this man kept the Law from his youth. He knew, in a world since, he was a decent man. But he loved money. As Jesus told us time and time again, you can not love two Masters. You cannot love Money and God at the same time.

Luke 16:

13 No servant 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.

He said to the man, if he was truly seeking Salvation, give up all he has, and follow Him. Accept Jesus as the Christ and forget his love of money. Give it to the poor, for he will have no further use for it. It goes on to tell us how the man chose money over Jesus and ran away.

You have already accepted Jesus as Christ and have already received the Adoption. You are following Him. So what is Sin? The first is obvious. The Catholic Church says there are 7 deadly Sins. I submit to you there are ten.

Exodus 20:

20 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 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.

5 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;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

13 Thou shalt not kill.

14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

15 Thou shalt not steal.

16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

Have no other God, love nothing in your life more than, God. Put God first. Pretty self explanatory. If you do not love God, you will not accept Him and His Will and Way. You can not be His Child if you hate Him. Nothing else will matter after this. Idolatry, taking His name in vain, forgetting the Sabbath. You will commit all these Sins, if you do not love Him. Not Honoring your Father and Mother is a Sin. Murdering an innocent life is clearly a Sin. Having an affair is clearly a Sin. Stealing? Of course. Lying and bearing false witness against someone? Sin.

Is seeking what the neighbor has, and desiring to have the same? Keeping up with the Jones? Is this a Sin unto death? Yes. If you covet, or greatly desire , what your neighbor has, it can lead to stealing, adultery, and even murder. Look at King David and Uriah.

Kind David saw Uriah's Wife, Bathsheba, bathing herself on her rooftop. Some argue that she was doing this on purpose to show off before King David. Doesn't really matter why. He saw her naked on her rooftop. He greatly desired to have her. So he called for her to be brought before him. Then he, and she, committed Adultery. Bathsheba then became pregnant. David attempted to cover it up. But when this did not work, he arranged to have Uriah murdered. The answer is, Yes. Covetousness can indeed be Sin unto death.

So we know that these are pretty simple to understand. But what other Sin is there. James put it pretty clear this way..

James 1:

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Again, when David saw Bathsheba, he lusted after her. Did he Sin? Well, Jesus did tell us, in a sense, Yes, because it CAN lead to this. But David did not actually physically Sin until he acted on it. The end result of David's Sin was the death of Uriah, and David and Bathsheba's first born child.

A little bit further, just to make it clear, Jame's simplifies it even more.

James 4:

17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Sin is anything that is not of God. If I am an Alcoholic, it is Sin for me to drink. Not Sin for you, but for me. Why? My love of drink is greater than my love of God. An Alcoholic can not drink just one, they get drunk. The Word does not say thou shall not drink. It says, you shall not be drunk. When you get drunk, you loose sense and control. You give yourself over to the feelings and it takes away reasoning. It can lead to other Sins, that can lead to death of yourself and others. If I am not an Alcoholic, is it Sin for me to drink an adult beverage at a social gathering, or have a beer after a long day at work? No.

What about this eating of meat on Fridays? Sin? No. What about eating Pork? No. God says anything received with Thanksgiving, is made clean. Should you eat Pork 24-7? Of course not. It really is not good for you. In time, can even make you sick. But Sin? No.

If you are forced to work a Job that requires you to work on the Sabbath, are you committing Sin? No. Whatever day you have off, you can make that YOUR Sabbath Day. God understands your situation. As long as you follow the Commandment, six days thou shall work, on the seventh, rest. Sin? No.

Is it Sin for me to pass by one in need, have the ability to, and do nothing to help? Yes. Why? Jesus said so. Is it Sin for someone else, who has never heard the Truth, to pass by and do nothing? No. Why? They know no better. For me to do nothing, becomes Sin.

Simply put, when one is attempting to decipher, what is Sin, Sin is to know the right thing to do and fail to do it. That is Sin. Obviously the violation of any of the Ten Commandments are clear Sin and Sin that leads to death. Without repentance and forgiveness, will lead to you condemning yourself.

Do not be mislead, as a Child of God, you are not without Sin. However, you have the authority and the ability to overcome any and all Sin..

1 John 1:

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Simply put, you are a Sinner. You were before you became a Child of God, you are now. The difference is before, you knew no better. You were adopted and washed clean of all Sin unto death, by the Blood of Christ. After, you were forgiven of all Sins you have ever committed.

Now that you are a Child of God, you have the ability to ask forgiveness of any Sin you commit today. If you do, " He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Do not be mislead though. Just because you have been Saved, does not give you the Right to Sin willingly, knowing that you will be forgiven. He will not be used as a ticket to Sin. God knows your Heart. He knows your Mind. He can not be tricked or fooled. He is just to forgive you. His Grace abounds much more than our Sin. You WILL Sin. It's Human Nature. But be of good cheer. Your Father loves you, is with you, and will never forsake you, as long as you do not forsake Him.
Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Do you have the assurance that He is "faithful and just to forgive you of your sins,"  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

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

Is There Salvation for the Saved?

Forgiveness for the forgiven?

Last time we talked about God preparing a way. Even though it may not be clear, perhaps even impossible, God can make a way where there is none. In that message, was included the stories of Noah, Moses, and David.

Some were wondering why, and I'll be honest, I was too, included in that message was the fact that these were not perfect men. That even after they accomplished the things God called them to do, they Sinned. It costed them dearly. Noah's family were thrown into turmoil, which some say is still going on today. Moses was forbidden entry into the Promised Land. David lost his child birthed by Bathsheba. Then this message came to me shortly after.

Is there Salvation for the Saved? Forgiveness for the Forgiven? Can you lose your Salvation?

James 4:

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

If I do not know, that it is a Sin to hold a grudge, and I do, am I Sinning? Yes. However, can it be held against me? No. If I know the truth, that I must forgive to be forgiven, and I hold a grudge, then I am Sinning knowingly, and it is held against me and I am then accountable for it.

As it also says in...

2 Peter 2:

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

In other words, it would be better if you were never saved to begin with. That once you are, you then know and understand the Truth. If you turn away from that Truth, you become even worse off than you were before. In..

John 15:

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

And in...

Revelation 3:

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

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Also in...

Hebrews 10:

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

In all these passages, God it talking to the saved. He is talking to the Church. The body of Christ. Can you lose your Salvation? It would appear, the answer is, yes. It seems that the human concept of once Saved always Saved, is not a truthful saying.

It does make sense if you think about it. If you come to me, and say, please adopt me into your family. I agree. However, I tell you to be a part of my family, I will require from you the same as I would require from all my children. If you are a faithful and good Son, you, as with all my children, will inherit part of my vast estate and fortune.

However, you decide to stop coming to my house. You decide to go off and do your own thing. You decide to forsake me and my family. That is totally your choice. By doing this though, you are disqualifying yourself from all my blessings and promises. I can not bless you, help you, or even love you, if you are no longer with me. As in all things, the choice is yours. As it says in...

Revelation 2:

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Except thou repent. In...

Malachi 3:

7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

Return to me, I will return to you. Let's look at the story of the Wayward Son in...

Luke 15:

1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

There is no need for a celebration for those that are faithful and always there. Doing the right things always. There is cause for celebration when one that was dead, has become alive again. Now some say that this is for all Sinners, not just those already Saved and yet backsliden, but anyone who Prays the Prayer of Salvation.

Even if we go with that. How much more do you think God will throw a Party for one that already IS His Child that repents and turn back to His Will? You have to realize that the story Jesus tells us, He says that the man has two Sons. So he is already his Son. Not a new Son. The Sheep were already part of the flock, and the woman already had the Silver. None of these were new to the people in the stories. So I submit to you that Jesus is talking about the Saved repenting and returning back into the Will of God.

Also in..

Matthew 18:

21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

22 Jesus said to him, I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

If Jesus is telling us to forgive our Brother, seventy-seven times, whenever he repents and asks, then how much more do you think your Heavenly Father may forgive you? Can we fall away through Sin, and lose our Salvation? Yup. However, we can come back also. Repent and ask God to forgive us, and there will be a Party thrown in Heaven. But it is up to you.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, or you have fallen away, 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}Find God's plan and purpose for you and your life. He has one. If you have fallen away, welcome home.

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

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus is lord of all!

God Will Make The Way

When He calls you, He prepares the way.

But who am I? What have I to do with the things of God? I can't do it. I do not know anything. Etc. The excuses are too numerous to mention. However, most of the time, they are nothing more than excuses. I have been telling you that once you are saved, you need to do a couple of things.

First. Tell someone.

Luke 12:

8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

And in..

Romans 10:

9 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.

Find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized, the way Jesus told us..

Matthew 28:

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Finally, find out God's purpose and plan for your life. For when God sets a plan and purpose for you, and calls you to do it, nothing can stand in your way. You will overcome. You will achieve the goal. God will pave ways that you do not know. Look at the story of Noah.

Genesis 6:

1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Now I want you to think about a couple of things here. One, Angels are very real. Angels can also mate with Humans. This is where these Giants came from. The Hybrid offspring of Human Women and Angels. I know, I know, it sounds like a fantasy rendition. But it is very real.

So God was so angry that He decided to wipe out all His Creation. However, He found Noah. Because of Noah, God decided to give Mankind another shot. So He called Noah to build an Ark. He chose Noah, to save Mankind. How did Noah do it? God made the way. He gave Noah specific directions. Exact measurements for the Ark, what to put in it. When it should be completed. Naoh succeeded because he believe in, and trusted the Lord God.

You know the rest of the story. It rain 40 days and nights, and wiped out all live on earth save those in the Ark. 

Now lets look at Moses. I love this story. Talk about someone that was in doubt of his ability to do what God called him to do. Moses was one of the first excuse makers.

Exodus 3:

1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Let the doubt and excuses begin..

11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

First, who am I? What authority do I have? Why would anyone listen to me? Notice three things. One, God chose Moses. Moses did not appoint himself. Two, God said "I" will bring my people out of Egypt. Not, "you" will. God said "I" will. Third, God said Moses will succeed because God is with him.

13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:

17 And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

18 And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.

19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Again, Moses said why would anyone believe me? They will seek proof. They will ask me your name. God told him what to say, so that they would believe him. Then told him His plan and purpose for Moses and His people. He told Moses that it will work out.

Exodus 4: 

1 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.

2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

3 And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

5 That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

6 And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.

7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

8 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.

But God, they will not believe me. Who am I? Why choose me? God went into detail on His plan. Told Moses, even had Moses practice, what would happen. Still? Moses doubted, not only himself, but God.

10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?

12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

If you are thinking that God had to be getting angry with Moses, you're right.

14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

You know the rest of the story. Moses finally did what God said, and all God told him came to pass. He lead the children of God out of Egypt. When they were fleeing, they even went through the Sea on dry ground.

Exodus 14:

20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

God made the way. Even with the parting of the Waters. Now let's look at David..

1 Samuel 17:

1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.

2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.

4 And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.

7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.

9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.

10 And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

14 And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.

15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.

17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp of thy brethren;

18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.

22 And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.

23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.

24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.

32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.

39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.

42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.

45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.

51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

As they say, the rest is History. David became one of the greatest Kings to ever live. The youngest, smallest, sheep herding, Son and Brother of seven. He trusted God, God made the way. A Giant dead, an undefeatable army defeated. 

What is God calling you to do? As Jesus Himself said....

Matthew 19:

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

But you do not understand. I'm a Sinner. I can not resist certain temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Remember, Noah got drunk and naked. Moses got angry and arrogant. David was not perfect. He had an adulterous affair and had a man killed. Does this mean that God will not still use you to accomplish the things He sets up for you? Of course not. Will He "correct you" if He needs to? Of course He will. Moses never went to the Promised Land. But that does not negate all the good you will still do.

We are all Sinners. We all fall short of the Glory of God. With ourselves, we can not do anything. But with God, all things as possible. Find out from Him what His plan and purpose is for you and your life. Trust in Him. You have been adopted into the Family of God. You have been washed clean with the Blood of Christ.

As a Child of God, you need to ask your Father, what is it He wants you to do. Then go do that. When God tells you to do something, He makes a way for you to do it. Even if you do not think you can. It really is simple. If you live within the Will of God, you will profit much. Outside the Will of God? Little to nothing. Sometimes, even that little you have, is taken away.

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

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!