It Doesn't Matter What Man Says

We are going to do things a bit different today.

Hey folks,

I was planning on talking about Walking Worthy. I was going to tell you the Story of Stephen, and the Story of Saul. But God is leading me in a bit of a different direction today. Oh we will talk about these things as I have been led by the Spirit, but some are wondering why I haven't commented on this or that. The current events, of recent, here in America. One, I will respond to directly here. That one, is Glenn Beck.

Now for some of you who may not know who Glenn Beck is, he is a Radio and TV guy. A Mormon, and a man of deep faith. He is hated by the Left in this country, and is angry with the way America is going. He is also angry at me. He says "Shame on you. As a Christian, as a Man of God, shame on you for not telling people that they need to stand and fight for this country." I want to respond directly to him for a second.

Glenn, I have done that. I warned everyone for years what is coming. I hear you saying the same things I said, long before anyone else was saying them. I warned what was coming. I warned that America itself was at stake. You can see this on the old Blogs OPNTALK, and OPNTALK 2. But God lead me in a different direction. Why? Because you can not ever change a person's circumstance, until you change their heart. That, and the truth is, God doesn't care if America fails.

You see Glenn, the Truth is, God did not appear to Noah and say change the World. He said build an Ark to save yourself and the Elect. God did not appear to Moses and say change Egypt. He said "Bring my people out." Jesus did not tell His Disciples, go into the Cities around the world and change them to fit My view. He said "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believe not shall be damned." {Mark 16:15-16} If they chose not to receive them? If they chose not to receive the Truth? "Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

It does not matter what man says. It only matters what God says.

Man says, "There is no God." Yet, Man cannot answer the simplest of all questions. If not, then where did the first something come from? It is Mathematically and Scientifically impossible to get something from nothing. SO? God says, "I AM." The Word delcares, " in the beginning, God." It doesn't matter that Man says there is no God. God is real, if people chose to accept Him or not.

Man says, "Jesus is not God, nor anything but a Rabbi. You can get to Heaven any way you see as truth." The Word says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." {John 1:1-14}

Jesus said "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."{John 10:9-11} "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." {John 14:6-7}

May says, "There is no Devil, no hell, no Sin. Do as you will." The Word declares that there really is a Devil.  He is the fairest of all the Angels. His name is Lucifer. He fell from Heaven when he attempted to dethrone God Himself. {Isaiah 14} He became the Lord of this world through the same Sin committed by Adam. He is the reason we are in need of salvation to begin with. God made the choice simple, "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day:  And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." {Deuteronomy 11:26-28}

Jesus said "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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." {John 3:16-18}

Man says "It's OK to slaughter your unborn child. We will call it a choice. A Woman's Right. After all, it is her body." God says, "Thou Shalt not commit murder." {Exodus 20:13} "If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." Yes, this is talking about Abortion. {Exodus 21:22-25}

"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?" {1 Corinthians 6:19} "The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife." {1 Corinthians 7:4}

Man says, and the Supreme Court just Ruled, "It's OK to be Gay. Gays should have the 'Right' to Marry and receive benefits for doing such." God says? "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." {Leviticus 18:22} "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done." {Ezekiel 16:49-51} Substitute America, for Samaria here.

By the Supreme Court Ruling the way they did, they not only condoned Homosexuality, but rather justified it. They said it's now OK. And they also said, anyone who speaks out against it, is committing Sin. We have made Sin, Good, and Good, Sin. The Word declares,

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." {Romans 1:18-32}

This is America Today. I have talked about the forgotten Laws of God, The Ten Commandments. I've talked about America Today. I've asked is America's Destruction Inevitable? However, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this very simple fact. There are far worse things coming to the World than America's fall.

"Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." {Matthew 24:3-13} "But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things." {Mark 13:23}

Will America fall? She will fall by her own hand. Are we Condemned? We Condemn ourselves by our own actions. Is there World War Three coming? I believe so. But? Jesus says "be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass."

God does not care what man says. God cares about your one on one relationship with Him. He cares about His Disciples becoming Fishers of Men. Sowers of the Seed. He cares about changing Hearts and Minds through HIS Word and His Ways. As a Child of God, it is YOUR duty to follow God. Do as He says. Not what Man says.

Am I saying that I would not boldly walk into the White House, look the President in the eye, and say "Let my people go?" Of course I would. If that is what God told me to do. But you see Glenn, God has shown me that unless you change the hearts and minds of the people, they will willfully fall by their own hands.

Despite all the warnings before the first election, and despite all the evidence leading up to the second Election, people CHOSE, with great applauding and cheer, to Elect a King wannabe to rule over them. Is the Country spying on it's own Citizens? Yup. Is the Country stripping away our Rights? Yup. The whole reason we are even here as a nation is Freedom. Freedom of Religion is number one. Is this Country removing God and replacing Him with Evil? Yup. Is there any wonder that we will fall? Nope. We get what we get, because we allowed it to happen. It really is this simple.

So I would rather be a Teller of Truth, a Shower of The Way, and a Sower of The Seed. I'd rather see an individual receive the Gift of Salvation, then fight a losing cause. Perhaps if enough people's hearts are changed, we may actually stand a chance. Without that, we do not. Without The Truth, we have nothing.

Peace to you, and be Blessed. I already know you are a Blessing to many. May God be with you, always.
Peter

Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, Speaks Truth to Power,

Not what they expected.

I will return this Sunday, but I wanted to highlight a moment in our Government's History that just took place. As you know, our Government is on a quest against Guns, and limit, if not down right ban, private Citizens from owning them. This is in direct violation of the United States's Constitution. Guns, are also NOT the problem. Now I do not own a Gun. I do not like Guns. I personally feel that you are more likely to be injured of killed by an accidental shooting, than ever actually need it for protection. 

That being said, I do not begrudge anyone from having one. It is the Second Amendment. It is a Right. Many do not feel this way. But the truth is the truth. Just like that Hammer can be used to build something, or smash someone in the head, that Screwdriver to turn a Screw, or stab someone, that Gun is nothing more than a tool. It can be used for good or evil. 

On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. They no doubt wanted to hear him cry, how awful Guns are, and how much he missed his daughter. However, that is not what they got. I'm pretty sure that they were not ready to hear the truth. From what I understand, it was not received well either. Truth rarely is to those who want nothing to do with it. 

I truly believe that everyone needs to hear the word that this brave man spoke. Was he lead to say these things? Perhaps. A Passage came to mind when I first read this. "But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." Mark 13:11 The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.

The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.

In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death.

Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.

I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!

My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
- Darrell Scott

Come As You Are

In MY Church, you WILL....

If you want to be a part of my Church, you WILL.....

1-Wear slacks and a collared shirt.
2-Women will wear dresses.
3-No red lipstick.
4-You will submit to a home inspection and remove anything I deem contrary to your Faith.
5-You will take a class that I offer to explain the proper way to be a Christian.
6-When I feel you are ready, we will Pray the Prayer of Salvation together.
7-You will meet with me once a month and fill me in on the aspects of your life.
8-Before you make ANY life decisions, you will consult with me and the Church. After all, that is why we are here.
9-You will do whatever I tell you God says about your life, and NOT do anything I tell you NOT to do.
10-I will forgive your Sins, once I deem you sincere and find you in compliance with the Church tenets.

Remember, we love you. We only want the best for you. We are here for you. God Bless...

Really?

Matthew 4:

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Matthew 9:

9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

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.

What did any of these men DO to show themselves "worthy" to accept God's Gift? Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew? Here they were, in the midst of their daily lives. In the middle of their Sins. Jesus came to them. Look at Paul.."yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 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." Does this sound like a guy worthy to become Holy enough to WRITE a lot of the New Testament?

God does not care if you put on a thousand dollar dress? He does care if you wear a thousand dollar Suit. He doesn't care if you eat meat on Friday, or if you wash your hands before you eat anything. He does not care if you look Righteous. He does not care if you meet MY standards. He does not care if you are a good little "Insert Religion here." He does not ever really care what is in your head. But rather, what is in your Heart.

I think one of the best quotes I have seen in a very long time, is from Charles Spurgeon, who said this...

“If you are to go to Christ, do not put on your good doings and feelings, or you will get nothing; go in your sins, they are your livery. Your ruin is your argument for mercy; your poverty is your plea for heavenly alms; and your need is the motive for heavenly goodness. Go as you are, and let your miseries plead for you.”

You see, God cannot be lied to. He cannot be fooled. He KNOWS your heart. He chose you. You do know that God chose you. Right? You did not chose Him. Jesus came to you. Just like He did to them. He is saying "Follow Me." Just like He did to them. The only way you heard about Jesus is because God lead you to Him.

John 6:

44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Remember the Five Steps of an Anointed Life?

Romans 8:

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

So he knows who you are before you are even formed. He sets course a plan and a purpose for your life. Then He calls you. You have nothing to do with any of it until this point. Then, when He calls you, THEN you have a decision to make. "Follow me?" Yes. Or No. If No? Then you are on your own. He doesn't condemn you. You condemn yourself by saying No. If Yes? Then you have a God Given Destiny. If you endure? He Glorifies you with Jesus Himself.

However, there is nothing you can do to "earn it." Jesus comes to you just as you are.

Romans 5:

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

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.

If God waited for you to become Holy, You would never meet Him. This is why He made "The Way" so simple and all inclusive. All you have to do is accept His Gift to you. All you have to do is accept Jesus. He wants all to come to accept the Gift. He is waiting patiently. Peter put it this way.

2 Peter 3:

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

It was not just His chosen people's Sins He came to cleanse, But the World.

1 John 2:

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

"We have an Advocate with the Father." His name is Jesus the Christ. Not Father so and so. Not Pastor Rick, or anyone else. Jesus. He made it simple. He opened it up to all. It doesn't matter if you are Rich, Poor, Black, White, Jew, nor Christian, ETC...

2 Corinthians 5:

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

And

Romans 10:

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

For?

John 1:

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Again, He knows, not only that we are Sinners, but what Sins we are guilty of. He doesn't care. But you cannot come to Him in Sheep's Clothing. You cannot hide from Him. You can not trick Him. He will not be mocked.

Hebrews 4:

13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

He simply wants you to come to Him as you are. just be you. He created you. He planed out a purpose and and plan for your life. He is calling you to follow Him. The choice is yours. What say you? Yes, or No? Do not allow yourself to be distracted with the Traditions of Men. Do not feel you are unworthy to accept His Calling. Do not think for one second, you can trick God. He is only asking one question. He is waiting for only one answer. Simply put, nothing else matters.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Is He calling you right NOW? Do you feel that tough in your Spirit to say Yes? Then 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, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

Crazy Love, Francis Chan

Crazy Love

Recently, out of a desire to grow in my love for God, I decided to spend a few days alone with Him in the woods.

Before I left, a friend prayed, "God, I know how You’ve wanted this time with Francis." Though I didn’t say anything at the time, I secretly thought it was a heretical way to pray and that he was wrong to phrase it that way. I was going to the woods because I wanted more of God. But He’s God; He certainly wouldn’t want more of me! It seemed demeaning to think that God could long for a human being.

The more I searched the Scriptures, however, the more I realized my friend’s prayer was right on, and that my reaction to his prayer indicated how much I still doubted God’s love. My belief in God’s love was still theoretical, not a reality I lived out or experienced.

I ended up spending four days in the woods without speaking to another human being. I had no plan or agenda; I just opened my Bible. I don’t think it was coincidence that on the first day it fell open to Jeremiah 1.

After reading that passage, I meditated on it for the next four days. It spoke of God’s intimate knowledge of me. I had always acknowledged His complete sovereignty over me, but verses 4 and 5 took it to another level: "The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.'"

In other words, God knew me before He made me.

Please don't skim over this truth just because you’ve heard it before. Take some time to really think about it. I’ll say it again: God knew you and me before we existed.

When I first digested this, all of my other relationships seemed trivial by comparison. God has been with me from the start--in fact, from well before the start.

My next thought, alone in the woods, was that He determined what Jeremiah would do before he was even born. I questioned whether that was also true of me. Maybe all of this pertained only to Jeremiah’s life?

Then I remembered Ephesians 2:10, which tells us that we were created “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do? That verse is meant for me and all others who have been “saved by grace through faith? My existence was not random, nor was it an accident. God knew who He was creating, and He designed me for a specific work.

God’s next words to Jeremiah assured me that I need not fear failure:

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child?"

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant?" (Jeremiah 1:6-10)

When Jeremiah voices his hesitation and fear, God--the God of the galaxies--reaches out and touches his mouth. It’s a gentle and affectionate gesture, something a loving parent would do. Through this illustration I realized that I don’t have to worry about not meeting His expectations. God will ensure my success in accordance with His plan, not mine.

This is the God we serve, the God who knew us before He made us. The God who promises to remain with us and rescue us. The God who loves us and longs for us to love Him back.

So why, when we constantly offend Him and are so unlovable and unloving, does God persist in loving us?

In my childhood, doing something offensive resulted in punishment, not love. Whether we admit it or not, every one of us has offended God at some point. Jesus affirmed this when He said, "No one is good--except God alone" (Luke 18:19).

So why does God still love us, despite us? I do not have an answer to this question. But I do know that if God’s mercy didn’t exist, there would be no hope. No matter how good we tried to be, we would be punished because of our sins.

Many people look at their lives and weigh their sins against their good deeds. But Isaiah 64:6 says, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags? Our good deeds can never outweigh our sins.

The literal interpretation of "filthy rags" in this verse is "menstrual garments" (think used tampons--and if you’re disgusted by that idea, you get Isaiah’s point). It’s hard to imagine something more disgusting that we could brag about or put on display. But compared to God's perfect holiness, that’s how our good deeds appear.

God’s mercy is a free, yet costly, gift. It cannot be earned. Our righteous acts, just like menstrual garments, certainly don’t help us deserve it. The wages of sin will always be death. But because of God’s mercy, sin is paid for through the death of Jesus Christ, instead of the death of you and me.

A Strange Inheritance

The very fact that a holy, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, merciful, fair, and just God loves you and me is nothing short of astonishing.

The wildest part is that Jesus doesn’t have to love us. His being is utterly complete and perfect, apart from humanity. He doesn’t need me or you. Yet He wants us, chooses us, even considers us His inheritance (Eph. 1:18). The greatest knowledge we can ever have is knowing God treasures us.

That really is amazing beyond description. The holy Creator sees you as His “glorious inheritance?

The irony is that while God doesn’t need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don’t really want Him most of the time. He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him--and we wonder, indifferently, how much we have to do for Him to get by.

Francis Chan

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The Jews Did NOT Kill Jesus

Neither did the Romans

As a matter of Fact, NO ONE killed Jesus. No one ever could. Did the Jews call for His death? Yup. Did they call for Him to be Crucified? Did they ask for a Murderer named Barabbas to be released in the Christ's place? Yup. Was it the Romans that abused, beat, whipped, and ultimately drove nails through Jesus, hanging Him on the Cross? Yup. Was it the Romans that pierced Jesus's side with a spear? Yup.

Is it important to understand how Jesus died for you, to understand how great the Gift is, that God gave us? Of course. However, to fully understand and appreciate how great the Gift, you have to understand one very important fact. Although all of this is true, NO ONE killed Jesus.

Remember what Jesus told Peter, after Peter drew his sword, attempting to protect Jesus?

Matthew 26:

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

Think about that for a second. I used this example in prior messages. It would be like you walking out of your home, and an Ant came up and tapped your foot, and said to you, "I'm going to kill you." You could easily, without much effort at all, simply raise your foot slightly, put it back down, crushing the Ant. The Ant, could run a away and bring back thousands more Ants. You would still wipe them out with little to no effort whatsoever.

I know people that declare war on Ants in their yards. They wipe out entire Ant Cities. Pretty much with a wave of their hand. This is how we are physically to God. Little more than Ants. He is Eternal. We are but Vapors. The average lifespan now is what? Something like 75 years? Let's say 100 years. How many Generations have come and gone since just this little old Country called America has existed? How many Generations? How many lives have come and gone since.....

Genesis 1:

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And,,,

John 1:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

And?

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

We are but Ants to God. Think about this. Seriously. God so loved us, that He laid down His Godhead, His Holiness, Authority, and Power, and became US. Yet, He was STILL God. Imagine what Jesus must have been thinking. Knowing that at any time, while they were mocking Him, Beating Him, Whipping Him, Hanging Him on a Cross, and driving a Spear through His side, at any time, He could have simply called down a Legion of Angels. With a Word, and wave of the hand, He could have totally wiped us all out. But He didn't. He CHOSE to endure.

Even on the Cross, what did He say? "Forgive them." He forgave a Thief. He forgave those who did this to Him. He forgave all of us for all the Sins we have ever committed. Then He what? He gave up the ghost. HE gave up the ghost. HE said, it is finished. He laid down His Life for us.


Look at....

John 10:

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." " I and my Father are one." No man could ever take Jesus's life. No man could have ever killed God. Like that Ant trying to kill you. It is simply not possible.

Now picture this. You love the Ants. You love them so much that you do not want a single one of them to die. But, you know that the only way for you to do this, is to become one of them. So you strip naked, you go out to the yard. You sit down near the Ant Pile. Then they come out and start climbing all over you. They start biting you. Remember, you could at anytime get up, stomp them, poison them, set them on fire. Whatever. But you not only chose to sit there, allowing them to bite you all over, you lay down to make it easier for them. You lay their until they kill you.

This is what Jesus did. Knowing the whole time He could have stopped it. Why? Jesus told us Himself.

John 15:

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

This is how much He loved us. He allowed it to happen. As a matter of fact, He came FOR it to happen.

John 19:

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

This is the magnitude of The Gift of Salvation. This is the reality of what Jesus did for us. This is WHY, HE, is the only Way, Truth, and Life. There is no other way. This is why HE is the door. The Savoir of all mankind. Without Him, it is impossible. It is not of yourself, but out of this Love for you, that Jesus sacrificed Himself.

1 John 3:

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Ephesians 5:

2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

As a Child of God, it is your duty to show this love to all. To live as Jesus did. Not judging others. There is but one judge. Not condemning others. There is one that died for all. One that can see the heart of all men. One that has the key to the Gates of Heaven. One that sacrificed more than we ever could. No one killed Him. He laid down His own life. He raised it up again. He is The King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. He IS Jesus THE Christ. He is God. All you have to do, is accept Him.

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, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

You Might Not Finish This, by Francis Chan

You Might Not Finish This

You could die before you finish reading this. I could die while you’re reading it. Today. At any moment.

But it’s easy to think about today as just another day. An average day where you go about life concerned with your to-do list, preoccupied by appointments, focused on family, thinking about your desires and needs.

On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. On the average day, we don’t consider God very much. On the average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor.

But there is nothing normal about today. Just think about everything that must function properly just for you to survive. For example, your kidneys. The only people who really think about their kidneys are people whose kidneys don’t work correctly. The majority of us take for granted our kidneys, liver, lungs, and other internal organs that we’re dependent upon to continue living.

What about driving down the road at sixty-five miles per hour, only a few feet away from cars going the opposite direction at the same speed? Someone would only have to jerk his or her arm and you would be dead. I don’t think that’s morbid; I think it’s reality.

It’s crazy that we think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. To those of us who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money," James writes, "Why, you do not even know what will happen Tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:13-14).

When you think about it, that’s a little disconcerting. But even after reading those verses, do you really believe you could vanish at any minute? That perhaps today you will die? Or do you instead feel somehow invincible?

Frederick Buechner writes, "Intellectually we all know that we will die, but we do not really know it in the sense that the knowledge becomes a part of us. We do not really know it in the sense of living as though it were true. On the contrary, we tend to live as though our lives would go on forever."

Are You Ready?

As a pastor, I’m often called upon when life “vanishes like a mist? One of the most powerful examples I’ve seen of this was Stan Gerlach, a successful businessman who was well known in the community. Stan was giving a eulogy at a memorial service when he decided to share the gospel. At the end of his message, Stan told the mourners, "You never know when God is going to take your life. At that moment, there’s nothing you can do about it. Are you ready?" Then Stan sat down, fell over, and died. His wife and sons tried to resuscitate him, but there was nothing they could do--just as Stan had said a few minutes earlier.

I’ll never forget receiving that phone call and heading over to the Gerlach house. Stan’s wife, Suzy, was just arriving home. She hugged me and cried. One of her sons, John, stepped out of the car weeping. He asked me, "Did you hear the story? Did you hear? I’m so proud of him. My dad died doing what he loved doing most. He was telling people about Jesus."

I was asked to share a word with everyone gathered. There were children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. I opened my Bible to Matthew 10:32-33: “Whoever acknowledges me Before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven?"

I asked everyone to imagine what it must have felt like for Stan. One moment, he was at a memorial service saying to a crowd, "This is who Jesus is!" The next, he was before God hearing Jesus say, "This is who Stan Gerlach is!" One second he was confessing Jesus; a second later, Jesus was confessing him!

It happens that quickly. And it could happen to any of us. In the words of Stan Gerlach, "Are you ready?"

Francis Chan

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Always Be Prepared

Never be ashamed.

Think about it. You were once a wretch. A Sinner. Walking in the flesh. Born to die. You were once like the worse Sinning, filthy, repulsive, poor excuse for a Human Being, that is walking the Earth today. Now? Now you have accepted The Gift. Now, you are a new creature. You have been adopted into the Family of God. "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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." {Romans 8:15-17} 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}

How did you do this? You simply accepted The Gift. The Gift is Jesus. Rather His sacrifice for you. His blood for your blood. His suffering of the punishment of Sin, the end result of which is death, for your suffering. His death, yet rather Resurrection, as payment for you. He died so that you may have Eternal Life. Not just Eternal Life, but to improve your life today. "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." {John 10:10,11}

Remember what Jesus said to Peter? Peter was bragging that they left all to follow Him. Then asked Jesus what they receive for doing so. What did He tell Peter? "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." {Mark 10:29,30}

This is The Gift. This is the Truth. Not something to be rejoiced over, played with, and left in the corner to be forgotten. THIS is the ultimate Gift. You have become a Child of God. Jesus came and suffered torture, abuse, and death, for YOU. All you did, was accept the Gift. So now what? Well, Peter tells us, all Saved, all Children of God, that we must all be prepared to share this Gift.

1 Peter 3:15

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Remember what Jesus told us?

Matthew 10:

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

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

Let's look at this a bit closer.

"Honor Christ the Lord as Holy."

First, as a new Believer, you must learn who the Christ is. Get filled up with the Bread of Life, The Word. Get filled up with the Waters for the Eternal Spring. The Word. Spend time getting prepared in knowledge and wisdom. Grow in Christ. Gain knowledge of the Truth, so that your life can become Blessed and you may become a Blessing to others. Become Obedient to Him. His Will and His Way.

"Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

Someone comes to you and says something to the effect of "You know, I noticed you seem to worry about little to nothing. I noticed that you seem to always look for the silver lining in all things. What's up with that?" Or, they come to you and ask, "What makes you so sure your way is better than any other. Seriously. There are a lot of Religions out there. What makes you think you are right?"

Your answer? What do you say? How do you respond? Do you say, "It's just something I believe."? Do you say, "I have faith that Jesus is Lord, but if you believe something else, cool."? Or do you say nothing? What do you say? Why not tell the truth? Say,,,,

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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Muslims think they are right. The Buddhists think they are enlightened. The Jews do not believe in Jesus. So what makes you right and them wrong?"

John 14:

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

"So you are saying without Jesus, they are all wrong. And you are right?" The answer, simply put, is YES. You may even want to share with them this...

John 10:

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The simple answer is YES. Without the key, you by no other means enter the Kingdom of God. Will this offend people? Yup. However, just because one may become offend at the Truth, doesn't change the Truth. Jesus came, suffered, and died for you, and you, are worried about offending someone with The Truth?

Hebrews 10:

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

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

Always be prepared to share the simple Truth. It's not that difficult. You do not have to have a PhD, or have spent your life in a Monastery. All you have to tell them is about what Jesus did for them. For us all. They take it as close mindedness, and exclusive to only a handful of people. They see it as some kind of exclusive club that keeps everyone that does not look like, or think like them out. The ignorant sees Faith in God, through Jesus the Christ, as equal to man-made Traditions called Religion. It's not. It's not exclusive. It's inclusive. It's not Religion, it's Salvation.

Romans 10:

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

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.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Not, as long as you follow this or that, man-made Doctrine. These or those Tenets. Dress this or that way. Be born into this or that Tradition. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"Yet do it with gentleness and respect."

As a Child of God, you are also a Sower of the Seed. God calls on us to share The Gift and share it freely. Peter said to the Beggar "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:" {Acts 3:6}

Timothy tells us,,,

2 Timothy 4:

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

In his letter to the the new Children of God in Colossae, Paul said this.

Colossians 4:

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Be prepared "instant." In other words, KNOW the Truth. If someone came to me and asked me to show them how to build a Rocket, I would have to get back with them on this. I'm not a Rocket Scientist. I have no idea. I would have to read and study up on it. If someone came to me and ask my name? Peter. No thought. No hesitation. No worries. "What is your name?" Peter. "How can I be Saved?" Jesus.

This is why it is so important that you learn the Truth. Spend time with God. Allow the Spirit to work in you. So in an instant, once some one comes to you, and they will, and asks you something like, "So Jesus is the only way?" Yup. "Jesus saith, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

"Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." "Yet do it with gentleness and respect." "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Does this sound like a get in your face, threaten Hell and Fire and Brimstone, message? Nope. Simply tell the Truth, and if they accept it, they shall be Saved. If not, move on. As a Child of God, you are His Disciple. Just like the eleven that Jesus appeared to after His Resurrection. Remember, they went back to their lives as they were, before Jesus. Jesus was upset with them over this.

Mark 16:

14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The truth is simple. The Gift is Jesus. The Gift is Salvation. There is nothing you can do to enter Heaven of yourself, or by Traditions of Men. By you accepting that Gift, you become a Child of God. There is no other way. God wants you to always be prepared to share the Truth with anyone that asks.

Have you received the Gift? Are you prepared to share it? 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.

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, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

The Gift, Part Two

To all the Men out there.

Yes. I'm speaking directly to you. You are the Head of your Household. You are the responsible party. You, and you alone, are the final decision maker, authority, and Law. I know, I know, some of my more Liberal friends with take issue with this. Some Men I know do not want this role. They would rather the Woman handle all things. Or? They have been conditioned to believe that a Marriage is where the two become one, and all things must be agreed upon by a family meeting and even the Children must have a say.

I understand that some see this as old fashioned, outdated, or even oppressive and chauvinistic. However, this does not change the fact it is true.

1 Corinthians 11:3

3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Am I saying that the Woman must submit to abuse and or suffer at the whims of her Husband? Of course not. What I AM saying is that it IS the MAN'S responsibility to be the hunter, gather, protector, provider, comforter, decision maker, and leader. Men, your Wife is a gift from God. "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:" {Proverbs 31} I am Blessed enough to say, that I found a Wife that matches this description.

From Eve, the Woman has always been, is, and always will be a Gift from God. She was created FOR Man. To be "an help meet for him." That is to say "one who helps." The Bible teaches that it is the Wife's duty to help her Husband. God said "It is not good that the man should be alone." Therefore He gave Adam the gift of Woman. Men, you are to see her as such. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" {Ephesians 5:25-29}

Christ laid down His life for the Church. We should have that love for our Wives. Be willing to do anything. Honor her. Love her. Protect her. Cherish her. Never be abusive. Jesus was never abusive to His Church. That is the point. However, YOU, men, are responsible. You are the Captain of the Ship that will take you both through the years on this Voyage called life. Adding Children along the way. Where are you taking them?

Whatever your decision is, it will effect all with you. Under your God given authority. You accept the Gift of Salvation, your entire Household is covered. Don't believe me?

1 Corinthians 7:

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

In 2 Timothy, we see that once Faith is received into a Family, it remains. It is passed down. Remember, God tells Fathers to raise their Children in The Word. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." {Ephesians 6:4} Faith can become hereditary.

2 Timothy 1:

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

I'm getting to it. What about those Households without a Father, Husband? Then the Mother becomes the Household Leader and the responsible party.

Now let's spend some time in Acts talking about Timothy. Timothy's Mother was a Jew, who believed in Jesus. However, his Father was a Greek, who did not believe. Yet, God was able to Bless their House, and rise up a Saint, because of Timothy's Mother.

Acts 16:

1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Now again, we see one person accepting The Gift, and the entire Household being covered. Being Baptized even. Continue on...

16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,

21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Then it tells us the Guard "was baptized, he and all his, straightway." This is why it is so important Men, you accept The Gift. If you do not, perhaps your Wife will. But do not blame the Woman Men. It's didn't work out well for Adam. It will not for your either. Women, if there is no Man in your Household, then the responsibility lays at your feet. Raise your Child on the Ways they should go..

2 Timothy 3:

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Men, YOU are responsible for your Family. But if you fail to assume the role, God will use your Wife. Women, if you are absent a Male in your Household, you become it. But either way, we see that not only is The Gift the greatest Gift you can ever receive, but that your entire Household can be covered as well, through YOUR Faith.

Once you receive The Gift, it is then vitally important to lay a solid foundation of Faith and Truth of God, in your Children. Which brings us to Part Three. We have discovered that The Gift, is Salvation. Eternal Life. Jesus's Sacrifice on the Cross, His death, yet rather, His resurrection from the dead, so that you may live everlasting.

We have also learned that The Gift, not only covers you, but your entire Household and can become hereditary, if you will, as well. Growing and spreading for Generations. Remember, God has a Plan and a Purpose for your Life and the Life of us all. He may be dealing with you today, so that He can call your Son or even Grandson, tomorrow.

So a gift this important? What do you do with it? Do you receive it with great joy, then put it in the corner to be forgotten? I think not. God says He wants you to always be prepared.

1 Peter 3:15

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

What does this mean? We'll talk about it next time. Have you received The Gift? Are you and your Household covered? 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, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!

The Gift

That IS what it is.


Picture this. "Daddy? Daddy? Dad? Daddy? Mommy? Mom? Mommy? Can I have this {This year's must have} for Christmas? I really want it. I need it. All my friends have it. Please? Please? Pretty please? I love you. Can I? Can I? Mommy? Daddy? PLEASE?!?!?"

So what do you do? You save up some money. You go out on Black Friday and stand in line at 3 am. You fight the crowds. You go through all this and turn the corner. Then there is this Ahhh Moment. There it is. Glowing brighter than anything. The gift. The thing your child wants more than anything in the world. The gift that will change their lives. The gift that will make you the Hero. It is done.

You buy it and bring it home. What do you say to your child? OK. You want the gift? Cut the Grass with Scissors, shovel the Snow with a Spoon, scrub the Floor with a Tooth Brush, and comb the Carpet. Then maybe you might receive it? Or? Christmas Morning comes, they wake up, and find it under the Tree?

They open it and celebrate. They laugh, cry, hug you. It is the greatest day of their little lives. They play / use it all day. Nothing else matters. The next day, the same. Then the Holidays end. They go back to school and tell everyone they know that they got the gift.

Then one day, you come home and notice that the gift hasn't moved from where it was from before you went out. Then, before you know it, there it sits. In a corner. Gathering dust. All but forgotten. After all you went through, there it sits. Forgotten.

Well, Christmas Morning is not about presents under a tree. It's not about signing Jingle Bells while roasting Chestnuts on an open fire. It's not about Sugar Plum Fairies, and Gingerbread Men. It's about THE Gift. God did not tell us that if we cut the Grass with Scissors, or shovel the Snow with a Spoon, scrub the Floor with a Tooth Brush and Comb the Carpet, then maybe we might receive it. No. Christmas Morning came, and we found THE Gift in a Manger.

Ephesians 2:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Jesus put's it this way.

John 3:

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

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.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

God so loved us, that He wanted ALL to be Saved. So He made it simple. He made it all inclusive. It does not matter if you are Rich, Poor, Black, White, Male, Female, ETC. It does not matter if you grew up in the Muslim Religion, Catholicism, Hinduism. It does not matter if you are a Jew, Buddhist, or practice Shinto. It does not matter what you have done in the past. The good, bad, and yes, even the ugly. What must you do to be Saved? Simply believe in Jesus. Allow HIM to be your Salvation. Allow HIS blood to be your blood. Allow HIS death to be payment for your death. Accept the fact that He died, yet rather rose from the dead, so that you may live.

John 14:

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

There is no other way. Sorry. He is the key to the Gates of Heaven. HE is the only way to get there. Nothing else actually matters. Without THE KEY, you will by no means enter. "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Try to do it another way?

Luke 12:

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

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:

9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

You see, HE is The Gift. HE is the greatest gift you will ever receive. It is that simple. God gave us that gift on the first Christmas Morning. We found Him in a Manger. Then 33 years later, we went to the Tree and did not find Him under it, but rather ON it. He came, lived as us, and allowed us, His creation, to abuse, torture, and kill Him. For OUR own sake. We did not kill Him, He laid down His life for us..

Matthew 26:

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

He could have stopped it at anytime. He rebuked Peter who cut off Malchus's ear, when they came to take Jesus. Jesus then turned and healed Malchus, and then willingly walked to His abuse and death. He allow himself to be put to death. It would be like a bunch of Ants telling you they will kill you. All you would have to do at any time is step on them. Instead, you willing walk to where they want to kill you, you lay down, and allow them to kill you. Knowing the whole time, you could destroy all of them with little to no effort. That is the Love Jesus has for us. That God has for us.

It really is this simple.

Romans 6:

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

THE Gift is there. Waiting for each and everyone of us. God put it on the Tree. All we have to do is go to the Tree and get it. When the Head of the Household receives THE Gift, the entire household does as well. It is about Salvation and Eternal Life. Not about Traditions of Men. But Life Everlasting. An Adoption into the very Family of God.

Just like you, being upset, sad, angry, ETC., when you see that gift you got your child, sitting in the corner all but forgotten, imagine how God feels when you do it? He does not want you to receive it, knowing that you got yours so it's all good. He does not want you to put it in a corner and forget about it. He wants to show you what it means. Teach you how to use it. He wants you to get to know the value of it. He wants you to tell everyone you got THE Gift. He wants you to always be prepared to share it with others.

We'll talk more about the fact your entire Household receives it when you do, if you are the Head of Household, and that He always wants you to be prepared to share the Truth with others, coming up in the next few messages. Have you received THE Gift? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Have you been to THE Tree? 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, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!