Seven Truths Every Child of God Needs To Know. 5

Your rewards in life, are decided by the problems you solve for others.

Every get into trouble? Be it legally, Financially, Marriage? Who do you call? A Lawyer. Get sick, Doctor. Mental issues? Psychologist. These people make lots of money, solving the problems, you now find yourself facing. Hungry, a Cook will cook your food, a Server will bring it to you. They solved your problem. Refrigerator breaks down? TV on the fritz? Electrician. AC? AC repair person. Pluming? Plummer. Car? Auto Mechanic. What do these people all have in common? The solve problems in other peoples lives.

I know some Preachers will teach you that this is all about money. And it can be. That if you want to be rich, find big problems of others and solve them. By doing this, you also put them in your debt. In truth, this is true. Money can and does come with success of solving the problems of others. Think about that. Any job you have ever had is receiving a paycheck for solving someone's problems. However, sometimes it is just the right thing to do, and the Blessings you will receive from God are far more important than any amount of financial gain.

Let's look at some of the people that solved some problems in The Word. Look at Nehemiah, Son of Hachaliah. Nehemiah inquired into the condition of the Jerusalem and the Jews there.

Nehemiah 1:

2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

He heard the news, and knew, something had to be done. He prayed and fasted. Remember "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." {Proverbs 3:5} And "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." {Proverbs 3:6}Nehemiah did not say I have the answer, he went to God. God put it into his heart to rebuild Jerusalem. He went to the king and got the resources and permission to do so. So he did. Not only did he rebuild, but he cleansed the Temple and rid of all things not pure.

He first, Identify the Problem, Went to God, Sought possible Solutions, picked a Solution, and completed the job. He was greatly Blessed in doing so.

Look at Noah, he save all of mankind.

Look at Moses.

Look at Joseph. He had the gift of interpreting dreams. He solved many problems, but the greatest was to prepare Egypt for the coming 7 years of famine. He was placed in charge of all of Egypt, with only the King over him.

Look at David. He fought a giant. He fixed the problem. He became King.

There are of course many more examples in the Word. All these people solved problem for others.

Jesus told His disciples,

Luke 6:

38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

He also said this..

Luke 22:

24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

This desire to be a Leader. A Ruler. One in charge, is a secular one. He with the most toys at the end wins, is NOT a Spiritual matter. Used to be, if I wanted Eggs, I would give you Milk. If I wanted Wheat, I gave my other Neighbor Milk. It used to be that we would all gather our goods into the House of God, and those in need would come and trade for what they had. Also, those who could not produce for themselves, Widows and such, would be taken care of.

Problems arose when some became lazy. Why should I work. I can go to the Church, and receive whatever I need, and they were not contributing. So we, as a people, chose a new system. Money. We all agreed that these little pieces of paper were worth whatever they say on them. A Home is worth a lot of those little pieces of paper. Even necessities such as food now costs these pieces of paper.

So God made it simple. Give and it shall be given unto you. God has no need of money. He arranges for you to have money because of the system WE set up. But giving does not end with money. Give love, it will be added unto you. Give aid, you will be aided in your time of need. Give Forgiveness and you will be Forgiven. So on.

Be a problem solver for others. If you see one hungry, feed them. If you see one naked, cloth them. If you see one sick, hurting, or downtrodden? Visit them and Pray for them. See a lost Soul, tell them the truth. God Blesses you TO BE a Blessing to others. Jesus used Himself as the example. Here is the LORD of lords, King of kings, laying down his Godhood and coming to wash our feet. Coming to die for our Sins. Strive to be like Him.

Luke 18:

28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

"For the kingdom of God's sake," "manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." Notice what Jesus actually said here. If you give up things for the Kingdom, and God's Will, you lose nothing. As a matter of fact, you will gain more.

Nearly everything that God asks of you, as now His Child, is that you do for others. Your rewards in life are based on that formula. Give and it shall be given unto you. Forgive that you may be forgiven. Bless that you may be Blessed.

The simple formula is made even simpler to understand when Jesus said.. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." {Matthew 6:33} Want to be a Leader? Follow. Want to be great? Serve. Want to be Forgiven? Forgive. Want to be Blessed? Be a Blessing. It is really not that difficult to understand.

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!

Seven Truths Every Child of God Must Know 4

The secret of your future, lies in your everyday routine.

Consider Olympic Champions. Little girls, age 3 to 5. They start going to the gym, learning to work out and do things that are seemingly near impossible. They grow. They go to the gym for hours before most people wake up, then again after school. They do the same routines over and over again. Then 10 years later, some become good enough to complete on a national level. Some, a very few, but some, become the best in the World. They go off to the Olympics and become Olympic Champions.

Consider them. They live their entire lives, doing what they do, through all the pain, injuries, and life challenges themselves, for that precious 2 minutes. Hours a day. 10 plus years. All for two minutes on the World stage.

Consider someone like Tiger Woods. Personal life aside. He starting playing Golf when he was like 4. He is now one of the best in the world. Consider any of the Greats, in any field. You will most likely find they have been doing these things for years. Every day. They have become their daily routine. It is just what they do.

Let me ask you a question. Take two girls. One, starts at age 3. The other sees it on TV, and says, that sounds fun. She decides to join a club. They meet two hours a week, and teach the basics. Now the two meet. They say, let's have a contest. Who do you think will win?

Being a Child of God is the same way. You see some who have great faith, and others that believe. All the famed Saints that walked the Earth, have something in common. It was their life. They did not go to a building, sing hymns, feel good, and go home. They LIVED their faith. They used it daily. Peter got so close, he actually walked on water WITH Jesus. Briefly. Could you?

Romans 8 tells us the extremely condensed version of Salvation and faith. The difference in walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit.

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.

Paul makes the very distinctive difference, and simple truth, easy to understand.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

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.

What do you do? How are you living your life? Do you even look at this, {Holding up the Bible} The Word of God, when you leave Church? Do you Pray? If you are going to Church, an hour or two a Week, if you feel like going, then go home and never think on God, His Will, and His Way, until the following week? Chances are, you are walking in the flesh.

James puts it this way..

James 2:

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Now I have recently discovered that this is some sort of "contradiction" in the eyes of those who are not of God. They say, Paul teaches by Faith are you saved, and James teaches by Works. Not true. Paul teaches that you must have Faith in Jesus to be saved. That it is NOT of yourself or anything you can do. As James said here "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:" You have to first believe, or have faith. James looks at those that HAVE believed and IS Saved, and asks, what have you done for God lately?

I love when I'm talking to someone and ask them, "does Christ know you?" and they say, I believe in God. I'm not sure who or what He is, and I do not think I need follow Religion, but I know God. Well? So does the devil. Lucifer, Satan, not only knows Him, but has seen Him face to face. The devil can quote the Bible cover to cover. He was there when it was written. Does this make him a good person or Saved?

You must have both. Faith and Works to be a complete Child of God. "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." {Hebrews 11} First believe, then act on it. If you simply go to Church once a week and do nothing, then what does it benefit you?

I also grew up around Pro Wrestling. I know a lot of the old timers. I've met some of the new guys. Some of them are massive. How did they get that way? Well, in the case of the "Big Show," Paul White, he was born that big. But most, again, spend hours in the gym. Every day. Every Month. Every Year.

Now think about this. If you are working out your Spirit, and exercising your Faith, how much stronger would you get?

1 Timothy 4:

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Here is something I have said, many times in the past. I catch myself still saying it to this day. "I would love to do this or that, but I simply just do not have the time. I gotta work. The Bills are not paying themselves." I know people that work their entire life away. In the end, is it that company they are thinking of? Is it how much money they have in the bank? Or is it regrets of all the time lost. Times lost with family and loved ones? Jesus tells us not to build barns.

Luke 12:

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

People spend their entire lives working at jobs, so they can secure their future. Problem is, the future is not guaranteed. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. The rest of this very day, is not guaranteed. Are you sure you want to invest all that time doing whatever you are doing in the secular worldly sense? Or would you rather be storing up treasures in Heaven?

If you do not spend time, investing in the Word. Praying. Spending time with God himself. On your own. You will never be able to understand people when the question you. You will not be able to withstand the snares of the devil. You may even lose your faith.

Say someone comes to you and says "OK. You believe in this Bible thing, then explain to me why there are all these contradictions. Like why does the Bible say that Mary Magdalene and another Mary discovered the empty tomb in one Gospel, while another Gospel says that only Mary did, and then yet in even another it says that Simon joined them? Explain these inaccuracies in the Bible to me." How would you respond? If you do not know what they are referring to, or the simple truth that they most likely read and never even saw, you may even be persuaded to believe them.

But if you have read it. You know it. God is with you. You can wave this off as ignorance and simply put that John mentions only Mary Magdalene explicitly at the tomb in his Gospel, because that was his focus. However, if you read the next verse "Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him." Now if Mary was alone, who then would be "WE." John did not write "Mary alone went" he simply highlighted that it was Mary who told Peter.

Get in a place where you spend time, daily, with God. It doesn't have to be a great deal of time. Say ten percent of you day. If we are to tithe ten percent, then why not ten percent of our time? There are 24 hours in a day. Can you spare 24 minutes? 24 minutes. Less than the time it takes to watch a sitcom. Less time then it takes to play a game on the computer. Less time than it takes for some people I know to shower. 24 minutes. Read the Word. Pray. Exercise your Faith. Learn what God has planned for your life. Do good Works, not for unto Salvation, but because you ARE Saved.

The simple truth is, if you are being a blessing to others, you open up the windows of Heaven for God to bless you. It is true that the secret of your future, lies in your everyday routine. What is it you would like your future to look like?

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!

Seven Truths Every Child of God Must Know. 3

What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.

That sounds an awful lot like the "Golden Rule." Does it not? Look at what Jesus told us...

Matthew 7:

12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Does that say, do unto other and they will do likewise unto you? Nope. It says do unto other as you would like them to do unto you. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. It does not say they WILL. It says do it anyway. Even if you get mistreated in return. Why? Because it really doesn't matter what they do. God is more concerned with what YOU do. If you are doing as God Wills, GOD will make the returns so much better.

Jesus tells us,,

Matthew 6:

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Again, look at what He actually says here. Forgive so that God will forgive you. He did not say, forgive them and they will forgive you. No. He says forgive them so that God can forgive you. Now of course when you hurt someone or wrong them, you ask for, and truly desire, their forgiveness. However, even if they do not give their forgiveness to you, God is already forgiving you for the Sins you commit against Him. Who's forgiveness do you feel you should seek more?

Trespasses and offenses will come. People will use you, misuse you, offend you, sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. It is your duty to forgive them. Because here's the thing. You WILL use , misuse, disobey and offend, God. You just will. No matter how holy you may think you are. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." {Romans 3:23} So when we forgive others, as God commands us, He can forgive us.

Luke 17:

3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

The same is true when it comes to giving. Why do we Tithe? Why should we give to those less fortunate?

Malachi 3:

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house," Go is not talking about Prime Rib. The Word Meat here means to meet the needs of those in need. Perhaps that does include food. but it could also mean cloths. It could means a temporary shelter. It could mean a vast number of things. What it means is to meet the needs of, the Family of God.

Does this say if you give money to the Church that other people will give you money? NO. It says, "and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." GOD is the one who will give unto you. GOD is the one who will bless you. Not man. God. You do for others, so that God will do for you.

When you tithe, if you are tithing in the right place, you are arranging for the possibility for the poor and needy to be taken care of. You are feeding the hungry. Clothing the naked. You are healing the sick. You are sharing the good tidings with them. You are comforting those who morn. You are blessing them. You may not be going down to the inner-city and handing out sandwiches on a street corner, although you could, but you are insuring that the Church you attend, as long as they are doing the right thing, has the means to do the same. Is this important?

Matthew 25:

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Uh, yeah. I think this is important. Now think about this for a second. If you give money to someone who has none, how do you feel they will give it back? If you feed someone who doesn't have the means to fend for themselves, how do you feel they will give you food back? We are not to do things with the expectation of the favor being returned from and by those we do for. We should be doing it with the EARNEST expectation of being Blessed by God Himself.

This is why Jesus tells us to love one another and to even love our enemies..

Matthew 5:

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

For you see, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." {Romans 5:8} Picture this. Truly get it. While men were stripping and beating Jesus, driving nails through His hands and feet, and hanging Him on the Cross, He was forgiving them. What is it that someone has done to you, that is even worthy to be compared? Forgive them, and let God deal with it. Forgive them, let God forgive you. Do good for them, so that God can do good for you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you, and if they do not, then they are in God's Hands. God will take care of them, and God will bless you. Just BE the Child of God you are.

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!

Seven Truths Every Child of God Must Know. 2

2 - What you respect, you attract.

Respect? Every culture and Religion share this common trait. Respect. Respect for the culture and ways. Respect for the Laws. Respect of the Leaders of such. Respect is taught for others sake. What is Respect?

1. To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.
2. To avoid violation of or interference with.
3. To relate or refer to; concern.

As a Noun?
1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem.
2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
4. respects Polite expressions of consideration or deference: pay one's respects.
5. A particular aspect, feature, or detail.

So this is a good thing. Right? If you respect others, they will respect you. Right? No. Not always. But what you Respect, THAT you WILL attract. In other words. What you honor and show reverence for, that will control you. It really is a simple concept. However, like many things, mankind can get lost in the translation between Spiritual and Physical meaning.

God is no respecter of persons.

Romans 2:

1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Also stated in....

Colossians 3:

25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

As we discussed before, God is like Gravity. He just is. It doesn't matter if you chose to accept Him or not. Follow His Will, and Ways for your life, or not. It does not matter what Religion you are born into. All that matters is His Plan. Gravity just is. It doesn't care if you are rich or poor. Black or White. Male or Female. It doesn't care where you come from or what you believe. It just is. If you follow the Law of Gravity, you will do just fine. If not, you will fall and depending on the height, you may die.

God is the same way. If you Respect Him and His ways, He will Respect you. You will receive the things of the Spirit. His gifts. You will be His Child. If not, you will not. You will condemn yourself by your own actions and words. He does not judge you and condemn you. You do that all by yourself.

Now the only time The Word talks about Respecting others, is when Jesus tells us what has become the Golden Rule.

Matthew 7:

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

And in...

Romans 12:

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

However, this is talking about respecting your Brothers and Sisters in Christ. The Family of God. We are not to Respect some over others. Such as the Rich over the Poor, nor, the Poor over the Rich, but all equally. As long as the are in the Family of God.

Then there is Respect of things. Cultures and Governments. Traditions and Religions. Then there is God. What is it in your life you Respect most? If you have the utmost Respect for your Religion, then you will Serve that more so than anything else. You will "avoid violation of or interference with" such Traditions and Commandments. You will do the things of that Religion and you will attract the benefits of the Religion. If the Religion tells you to kill those not in that Religion, you will violate the Commandments of God, in favor of that Religion. Jesus tells us this also..

Mark 7:

1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Paul tells us he received great Praise and honor in his Religion for doing the things of his Religion when He was killing God's people.

Galatians 1:

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.Then he explained how it was Jesus Himself that converted him..

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

You see, Saul respected Religion. He attracted those that did the same. He learned from men and did the things of man. Then Jesus took over. He became Paul and started Respecting the Lord over man and it was The Spirit that he received things from. You cannot learn from those you despise. You learn from those and the things you Respect.

Did you know that there were those that Respected Hitler? To this day, there still are. They attract those of like mind. They learn of the ways of this evil man. They do the things they learn. Many, sadly, in the world will never learn the things of God, for the simple fact they do not Respect God. Who do you respect? God or man? What do you Respect. Faith in Jesus, or the Traditions of Men? You will attract the things you Respect. Make sure you are Respect the right things in life. Above all, God first.

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!

Seven Truths Every Child of God Must Know. 1

1 - What you can tolerate, you cannot change.

There was a man, working 50 to 60 hours a week. He could not pay his bills. He was getting behind. He was missing out a lot of his Family experiences. He gave in one day, and went to Church with his Wife. he heard the message of Salvation. He Prayed. He became a child of God.

He continued to work this Job when an opening came up. A Manager left. Here is a chance for a promotion, raise, and he could not wait to go home and Pray about it. "God, you know I'm working myself to death. I have been with this company for 15 years. You know that it is not meeting my needs. I'm missing my Family. I'm tired all the time. I really need this promotion. I really need this raise. Your Word declares that if I trust in you, my needs will be met. So God, I'm asking you to give me this promotion. You know I've earned it."

So he goes into work the next day excited. He can't wait. He goes in to find a Pink Slip. Not only did he not get the promotion or raise, he got fired. He goes home broken, sad, and furious with God. "This is how you take care of your children? This is how you answer prayers? What kind of God are you?" God, patiently waits for him to stop yelling, and says to him, "Can I ask you a question?" "You just did. I'm not sure I want to answer you. You didn't answer me." God says, "Yes I did." The man says "Yeah? HOW? I didn't get the raise. I didn't get the promotion. Now I do not even have a job. It wasn't paying everything, but it was better than nothing." God said, "You were working yourself to death. You were tired all the time. You were missing your family. The pay was not even enough to pay your bills. How can you get a better Job until you lose the one you got?"

You see, the man was tolerating the job he had. He could not change it, as long as he was tolerating it.

A Wife is in an abusive relationship. Her Husband is an Alcoholic, and psychically abusive. Yet, when he get's into trouble, she bails him out. When the Police show, she never presses charges. She buys his Beer. She works two jobs to make sure that she has money to take care of him. She constantly tells her friends she wants out. Yet she stays.

She is tolerating her circumstance. Therefore, she cannot change it.

For years, the Jews tolerated Egyptian Rule over them. They just accepted it as the way it is. Then born into the world, a man named Moses.

Exodus 2:

1 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.

3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.

4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.

5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.

7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

8 And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

9 And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it.

10 And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

Now Moses is Pharaoh's Daughter's Child. This means that Moses is a Grandson of Pharaoh. Yet, remember, his own ACTUAL Mother is the one who raised him. So he knew the truth of who he was. Notice here how he was not working. He was observing the workers. He witnessed the abuse and decided that he would not tolerate it.

12 And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

14 And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

So he did what he thought he had to do. Those that he stood up for, went to told Pharaoh what Moses had done. Why? They were so use to tolerating their circumstance, they saw it as the norm. They became fearful. They didn't like their circumstances, but the tolerated them. It cost Moses everything. Uh, in a Worldly sense.

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

20 And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

You know the story. Because Moses was not tolerate of the circumstance of his people, God knew He could use him. Even if Moses didn't understand or agree he was worth anything, God knew Moses would accomplish what God wanted him to do, and the world changed.

Look at David. The youngest of all his brothers. A small, scrawny, boy. One who his family left behind to Shepard their flocks while they went off to war with the Philistines.

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.

Now there is a bit of debate about this. Six Cubits Translates to 9 feet tall. Some manuscripts say he was 8 foot. some say 6 foot 9. Even 6 foot nine would be a Giant to the normal size people of the day. But none of that matters. The truth is he was a giant to those there, and that he was a "Man of War" from birth. No one, even his own, dared to challenge him. He was feared by all.

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.

That must of been a sight. Here is this Warrior stand there, alone, challenging anyone from the Jewish Army to come fight 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.

Really picture this. Get what Goliath just said. He said that the Armies do not even need to fight. He said send ONE man to fight with him, and whoever wins the fight between Goliath and the ONE man, wins the fight between the two armies. Instead of Saul taking him up on this, he was a afraid and did nothing. This went on for FORTY Days.

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.

So the next day David takes the food and goes to the camp. While he is there he asks how the battle is going and he is getting information to take back home with him. Here come Goliath. Saying the same thing.

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.

David heard Goliath. He heard what would happen to the man that went out and faced him. He got angry. He did not get fearful. He got angry. He said if this is all true, where is the man to face this "Uncircumcised Philistine?" He could not understand why no one has gone out to face him. If this is all it took, defeat this "dog" then where is the man to face him? When his oldest Brother heard David question these things, he became angry with DAVID. Not Goliath. But David.

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.

So David says to Saul, hey, if none of these men are brave enough to go fight this "dog." I will do it for them. You see, David was not tolerating this as they have for FORTY days. He was not afraid. He knew God was on their side. He knew they could not lose.

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.

So Saul said to David you can't win. Look at you. Your nothing but a kid. A Scrawny one at that. This is a "Man of War" from birth. You don't stand a chance. David looked at Saul and said....

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.

Again, David did not see a Giant. He did not fear Goliath. He saw him as nothing more than a "Dog." If God protected him from a Lion and a Bear, He will do the same for David against Goliath.

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.

I love this part. So Saul agrees. He gives David his own armor. But Saul was a big man. And his armor was too big and heavy for David. So David tells him, I can't fight in this. I do not even know how to walk in this. Besides, I'm not relying on this stuff to protect me. I'm relying on God. So he takes it all off.

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.

Goliath looks at this scrawny kid, with no armor, standing before him with a staff and Shepard's bag and says Really? OK. Come toward me and I will kill you easily. But still David has no fear. He says...

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.

No notice what David said here. Goliath said I. I will. I will. David said, God will. David was relying on God as Goliath was relying on his own strength and wisdom. So Goliath went to David.

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.

52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.

53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.

54 And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.

56 And the king said, Enquire thou whose son the stripling is.

57 And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

Of course you know what happens some time later, David becomes King, and the Seed of David produces The Christ, Jesus, Himself. All because this one man, could not tolerate the circumstances he was in. Through his God given desire to change them, he change the World.

Some say nothing can change the course America is on. Some say nothing can save you from the circumstances you find yourself in. Some are content to live in the ways of the Flesh and not seek out the Truth according to God. Some are happy to Tolerate and allow things to be "That's just the way it is." Some are not. Some decide to change them.

No matter what it is in your life, no matter if it seems like a Goliath, the first step into overcoming it is to stop tolerating it. Especially if you know that it goes against God, His Word, or His Will for your life. If it does, then simply put, you can't lose.

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'll Get Through This by Max Lucado

Joseph
Son of Jacob
Graduate with honors from the University of Hard Knocks
Director of Global Effort to Save Humanity Succeeded

How? How did he flourish in the midst of tragedy? We don't have to speculate. Some twenty years later the roles were reversed, Joseph as the strong one and his brothers the weak ones. They came to him in dread. They feared he would settle the score and throw them into a pit of his own making. But Joseph didn't. And in his explanation we find his inspiration.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (50:20 NASB)

In God's hands intended evil becomes eventual good. Joseph tied himself to the pillar of this promise and held on for dear life. Nothing in his story glosses over the presence of evil. Quite the contrary. Bloodstains, tearstains are everywhere. Joseph's heart was rubbed raw against the rocks of disloyalty and miscarried justice. Yet time and time again God redeemed the pain. The torn robe became a royal one. The pit became a palace. The broken family grew old together. The very acts intended to destroy God's servant turned out to strengthen him.

"You meant evil against me," Joseph told his brothers, using a Hebrew verb that traces its meaning to "weave" or "plait." "You wove evil," he was saying, "but God rewove it together for good."

God, the Master Weaver. He stretches the yarn and intertwines the colors, the ragged twine with the velvet strings, the pains with the pleasures. Nothing escapes his reach. Every king, despot, weather pattern, and molecule are at his command. He passes the shuttle back and forth across the generations, and as he does, a design emerges. Satan weaves; God reweaves.

Controlling Sin

Religion is a bunch of Rules and Regulations. No. Thank you.

Many years back, when I first heard the Call, or felt led by The Spirit, to become a Sower of the Seed, a Teller of Truth, A Show-er of The Way, I considered a Bible College. I traveled a great distance in a car that I was not sure would actually make it, to spend a Week with a Preacher and tour the College he ran. If I said the name of the College, or the name of the Preacher, you would recognize it.

So here I am, learning what it would take to become a Student. The Preacher said this. "If you join, we will be sending a group of people to your Home, Apartment, or whatever, while you are attending. They will take out the TV. They will remove anything we deem a hindrance to your Spiritual Growth and learning. When you Graduate, we will give it back. Maybe."

That was all I needed to hear. No. Thank you. I was polite and stayed until it was over and I left to go home. So to join this College, they are going to send "Morality Police" to my home and remove anything that does not fit THEIR idea of what is good? I will have to dress a certain way. Talk a certain way. Act a certain way. Live a certain way. I have to, in essence, give myself to the Church. Become obedient to the Church, before I can learn about God? Really?

I know many people that will tell you that they truly believe that the Bible is nothing more than an old Book, written by a bunch of old guys, that want to control every aspect of your life. It's not the Word of God, but a Doctrine of dos and don'ts, that are meant to control society.

Many will tell you that this is also the way they see the Ten Commandments. A set of Laws to make your life harder. To control your actions and limit your choices on how to live your life. They see Religion as more a Social Engineering tool, for the psychological manipulation of people, into performing actions they wish for them to perform. To control the masses.

Here is the problem. In some cases, this is actually true. Some "Religions" DO attempt to control Sin, through rules and regulations. Our Society is one based on "the rule of Law." An attempt to control people's behaviours, by use of fear, as to the consequences for the action. Do this, go to Hell. Do this, go to Jail. Etc.

But here is the problem. Leave aside that the Bible IS, without a doubt, the Word of the Living God, and the fact that Religion itself is NOT Salvation, you cannot control Sin through Rules and Regulations. You cannot control Sin through Laws. You cannot control Sin through man-made Religion. There is only one way to control Sin. That is by changing the heart.

Matthew 20:

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Jesus IS our example. Remember the Last Supper?

John 13:

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

So what did Jesus do here? Did He tell his Disciples they must obey this or that Law? Did he say they must not,,,,or if they do,,,,they will go to Hell? Did He tell them they MUST wash each other's feet. No. He got up, the Lord of Lords, stripped, and got on His knees {Came to their level} and washed their dirty feet.

Peter speaks on this as well.

1 Peter 5:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Ever work for a Boss that was one of those, "Do as I say, not as I do?" In other words, they tell you that you must work in this manor, yet they do little to nothing. Have you ever worked for a Boss that get's right down in the trenches with you and is doing the same jobs they are asking you to do? Which Boss do you feel has more respect and is a more effective Leader?

In the Military, Commanders are the same way. Some sit in safe areas, and tell their Troops to go and come, to fight, and die. To not question why, but to do or die. Others, and the Greatest Commanders in History, are those that say WE must go and come. WE must fight. WE must do or die. They are the ones LEADING the charge. Right there with their Troops. Side by side in the trenches.

It's not effective for you to tell someone, "You must live this way to be 'Holy.'" And then have them see you live the opposite. You cannot really tell someone that they cannot eat red meat, while you are chowing down on a Burger. Or tell someone the they can not drink with a Cigarette in your hand. You cannot tell someone that the Bible says this or that, and expect them to hear you, if you are living the opposite.

Here is an example for you as to how you could be more effective in the sharing of The Word. You are dinning with someone. They go to take their first bit of food, and you say, "You had better give thanks to God first." Or, when the food is present, you bow your head, lift you eyes to Heaven, or whatever, and say "Thank You Lord for the food we receive today."

Now they ask you why you do that, you have an opening to discuss the reason we should all give thanksgiving to God everyday. For all we have. You can tell the story of the feeding of five thousand. You can tell the story of the Last Supper. They all involve Jesus. They may say nothing. But they witnessed you do it. You may have planted a seed into their life.

Now Paul wrote to Timothy,,,

1 Timothy 4: 

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

So the next time someone tells you that you are going to hell for eating that piece of Bacon? Just a side note. Another reason it is important to give thanks to God for the food you receive.

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Bodily exercise here is not talking about going to the Gym. Paul is talking about Religious Exercise. Don't Eat that, say ten "Hail Mary's" do not walk this far on the Sabbath. ETC. But teach and lead by example, the Truth according to God. Religion vs Faith. Paul tells Timothy, choose Faith.

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Now read that last sentence again. "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine." You know what it says. Understand it. Learn it. Teach it. Live it. Apply it to your own life. "Continue in them." Do not follow after some new teachings. Do what you know to be true. "For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." Not only will you be Saved, but those OBSERVING you, will be as well. Lead by example. Allow them to see. Then they will seek after the reason you are the way you are, which will lead them to the Truth.

You must live by faith rather than by effort of the flesh. It is not in your power to control the situation and fix the problem in other people's lives. You must understand that it is the Lord who needs to change hearts, and that is, who you need to be trusting. Anything else, you are trusting in yourself, or man-made traditions called religion. Where do you feel is a better place to put your faith?

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!

Salvation By RC Sproul

Saved from What? 

I was once confronted by a young man in Philadelphia who asked me, "Are you saved?" My reply to him was, "Saved from what?" He was taken aback by my question. He obviously hadn't thought much about the meaning of the question he was asking people. I was certainly not saved from people interrupting me on the street and buttonholing me with the question "Are you saved?"

The question of being saved is the supreme question of the Bible. The subject matter of the sacred Scriptures is the subject of salvation. Jesus, at His conception in the womb of Mary, is announced as the Savior. Savior-hood and salvation go together. It is the role of the Savior to save.

Yet again we ask, saved from what? The biblical meaning of salvation is broad and varied. In its simplest form the verb to save means "to be rescued from a dangerous or threatening situation." When Israel escapes defeat at the hands of her enemies in battle, she is said to be saved. When people recover from a life-threatening illness, they experience salvation. When the harvest is rescued from blight or drought, the result is salvation.

We use the word salvation in a similar way. A boxer is said to be "saved by the bell" if the round ends before the referee counts him out. Salvation means to be rescued from some calamity. However, the Bible also uses the term salvation in a specific sense to refer to our ultimate redemption from sin and reconciliation to God. In this sense, salvation is from the ultimate calamity—the judgment of God. The ultimate salvation is accomplished by Christ who "delivers us from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

The Bible clearly announces that there will be a day of judgment in which all human beings will be held accountable before the tribunal of God. For many this "day of the Lord" will be a day of darkness with no light in it. It will be the day when God will pour out His wrath against the wicked and impenitent. It will be the ultimate holocaust, the darkest hour, the worst calamity in human history. To be delivered from God's wrath, which most assuredly will come upon the world, is ultimate salvation. This is the rescue operation Christ performs for His people as their Savior.

The Bible uses the term salvation not only in many senses, but in many tenses. The verb to save appears in virtually every possible tense of the Greek language. There is a sense in which we were saved (from the foundation of the world); we were being saved (by the work of God in history); we are saved (by being in a justified state); we are being saved (by being sanctified or made holy); and we will be saved (experience the consummation of our redemption in heaven). The Bible speaks of salvation in terms of the past, present, and future.

Sometimes we equate present salvation in terms of our justification, which is present. At other times, we see justification as one specific step in the whole order or plan of salvation.

Finally, it is important to note another central aspect of the biblical concept of salvation. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is not a human enterprise. Human beings cannot save themselves. Salvation is a divine work; it is accomplished and applied by God. Salvation is both of the Lord and from the Lord. It is the Lord who saves us from the wrath of the Lord.

When you Remove God, Society

One has to ask, why? Why the "Christian God?"

There is a move in the world, not just here, but in the world, to remove God from public life. It is most notable here, in the Country where we "Celebrate" the Freedom of Religion. But it is not confine to here. There is still a very active Anti-Semitic move around the world, with entire countries being threatened. However, if you look closely, you will see a growing movement to wipe out anything Christian as well.

A few Months ago, Great Britain’s Girl Guides, which is their equivalent of U.S. Girl Scouts and Brownies, removed God from their 103-year-old oath. The part they used to promise to “love God,” they will now vow to be true to "myself" and develop "my beliefs." So they actively removed God and replace Him with "me."

In this Country, the Country that was formed BECAUSE of, and FOR, Religion Freedom, has actively been removing God from public life. Oh, we still have Laws to Protect the "Freedom of Religion" to a degree, but many have twisted and used this very clause in the Constitution to restrict and attack the "Christian God." We will still protect Jews, to a degree. However, do not dare say anything about Muslims. Do not even think about insulting someone for made up Holidays or "Holy Days." But God, the Bible, and Jesus? Seems to be open season. Why? Think about that. Why?

You see the truth IS simple. Simple to understand, but very hard for some to accept. Jesus said, "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."

 Jesus also told us this plainly, "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." There IS no other way.

It's like this, I am King. I see others trying to be kings. I do not care. However, if there arises a King that has the power to take away my Kingdom, it is HE that I attack. Get the point? In other words, the devil doesn't care much if you are Religious. He doesn't care much if you do "good" for others. He doesn't care if you pray to God. As long as you leave out the key, none of this matters. If he can keep you from Jesus, then he needs do nothing more.

This is why we have active Senators and Congress People attempting to create a Law where Schools must have a Praying area for Muslim Students. Yet, Little Johnny wheres a "Jesus loves you" T Shirt or Cross around his neck is sent home. This is why so very many have attempted to suppress Christianity. They use the guise of equality and fairness to attack Christianity. We must not offend others. Everyone has a right and a freedom to worship God in their own way. If we allow Jesus, then we would have to allow all, so we allow nothing and ask you to keep Jesus to yourself.

The whole reason we are here as a Country IS Freedom of Religion. It IS Freedom in general. We were founded on Christian beliefs. God was to be the very reason we succeed . He has been the reasons, why we have been so prosperous. Why we became the most powerful Nation on the Earth. But this is changing. Why? Because we are removing God. The very reason we were formed. We are now removing. Let me share with you a story..

Two Angels, and The Lord Himself, visited Abraham. Abraham was God's hand-picked founder of His chosen nation, Israel. They came disguised as men, travelers along the road. The two Angels went down to Sodom and Gomorrah, to observe firsthand the wickedness in those Cities. Now the third, stayed behind. Who was the third? The Lord. He revealed to Abraham that he was going to destroy the Cities because of the evil ways of their people. Abraham, a special friend of the Lord, began to bargain with God to spare the Cities if there were righteous people in them.

Abraham asked if the Lord would spare the Cities if the Angles found only fifty Righteous people living there. The Lord said yes. Boldly, Abraham kept bargaining down, until God agreed not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if even a mere ten Righteous people lived there. Then the Lord departed.

The two Angels arrived at Sodom that evening, Abraham's nephew Lot met them at the City Gate. He took the two men to his home and fed them. The men of the City surrounded Lot's house and said, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them." Instead, Lot offered the men his two Virgin Daughters in an attempt to protect the Strangers. Furious, the mob rushed up to break down the door. The Angels struck the rioters blind. Then lead Lot, his wife, and two daughters by the hand, out of the City. And the Cities were destroyed. Here is the Text..

Genesis 19:

1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:

13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it

You see, God was totally removed in these Cities. Along with Admah, Zeboim and Bela. These five cities, also known as the "Cities of the Plain." They all but Bela, totally removed God, His Law, His Will, and His Way. They replace Him with themselves. They started to do whatever they chose. They produced the works of the flesh. Which if you remember are "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." {Galatians 5:19-21}

For this reason, God send Two Angels and the Lord Himself came. They made a deal with Lot if merely Ten people could be found in these Cities, God would spare them. They found none. The Word declares that four out of these five Cities were totally destroyed, leaving Bela alone. Some say that it was spared because this is where the Angels brought Lot and his Daughters.

Paul warns us, all Nations, that if we do the same, we will receive the same Judgement from God.

Romans 1:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 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:

21 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.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 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.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 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.

26 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:

27 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.

28 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;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 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.

Look at America today. This movement in America to justify Homosexuality and to accept it as normal, places America today in the same category as Samaria. Attacking all that simply tell the truth of it, is slowly, and sadly, actually working. More people are falling for the lie that it is compassion. That it is right to allow Gays to Marry. That they deserve equality to all others in America today.By doing this, America is multiplying it's abominations in God's eyes. Not only do we remain silent, we are attempting to justify Sin. Make no mistake about it. Homosexuality is Sin.

That is not the only Sin that America is justifying. Abortion is Murder, yet we have declared that it is a "Right" of a Woman, to Murder her Child. We have opened the flood gates of acceptability, to attack, mock, and make fun of anything Christian and even the Religion itself. Any other Religion in this Country that does not have Christ in it? Well they are still very much protected. Speak out on one of those and you can be charged with Hate Crimes. But Jesus? Mock. Attack. Belittle those that believe? Denounce. Have at it. After all, in this Country that was founded on the Bible, Presidents are sworn in on the Bible, "In God we trust" is on our money, our legal system is based on the Ten Commandments, we have built a "Wall." All other Religions, are protected, but Christ and or Christianity is open season?

This is why those want all this removed. Take God out of the Pledge. Remove God from our Money. Remove God from Schools. Forbid Jesus's name being spoken in public. Generation after Generation, slowly and steadily, we are forgetting who God even is. Those that believe in God are attacked and labeled, " Racist, Bigoted, Chauvinistic, Homophobes. Who are just too stupid to understand what is best for them and the Country."

This is why they are starting in the Public Schools. They want total control over teaching your kids, there is no god. Setting aside that the Theory of Evolution is both Scientifically and Mathematically impossible, there is no god. That we simply came from a Single Celled Organism floating in a puddle of goo, which also came from nothing and all things as we know it, from Hot to Cold Blooded, to Trees, to everything else Evolved from this. Despite the fact we know this is also Scientifically impossible, due to our advancement in DNA research and understanding, God is still barred. There is no god.

The reason for this is simple. No God, No devil. No devil, no Sin, no Hell. No Sin, no Hell, no reason for a Saviour. Live as you will. Concentrate on you. See all equal to you. No one special or unique. Live and let live. Paul continued, warning that Child of God must not fall into the trap of Worldly Thinking...

Romans 2:

1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?

27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?

28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

As a Child of God, it is up to you to be a Sower of the Seed. A Teller of Truth. We are in the World but we must not be part of it. Remember what Jesus told his Disciples when He sent them out. Don't waste your time trying to change nations. Simply tell the Truth.

Mark 6:

11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

In America today, we have removed God. in His place, we have Sexualization of our Culture. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears. Miley Cyrus has gone from being a role Model for young girls to an out of control sex symbol. Wardrobe malfunction. Online pornography. Girls Gone Wild. Viagra. Erectile dysfunction ads. It used to be I had to sneak a peek at my Uncle's Play Boy Magazine to see nudity. Now I can just point and click.

We no longer have to strive for the best things in life. Average Joe and Jane Americans enjoy $4 cups of Joe at Starbucks, guzzle bottled water, feast on Godiva chocolates, drag suitcases on wheels, sit on heated car seats and let GPS systems guide them. Anything you want can be yours.

And it has also become all about YOU. Cellphones are Computers. Want Music? Down load it instantly. The Internet opens the floodgates. Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, it's all about "look at me." Shop and watch TV programs when you want. Capture every moment and play it for a worldwide audience. Remember going to dinner at a nice restaurant without a few hundred people SEEING your meal? I still do not get that. But it is all about ME.

In the Society we have created, 24-7, no boundaries, limits, and very lose rules, we have a whole generation growing up with High Anxiety. Prozac, Paxil, Xanax, Zoloft, Ritalin, Adderall, are prescribed freely to anyone at nearly any age to help them cope. 

Also, in the Psychology Field, we have highly paid "Professionals" that strip away Personal Responsibility by labeling bad behavior as Diseases instead of poor self control. It's no longer your fault when you commit crimes against Humanity. You're just sick. It's not your fault. Take this Pill. All will be alright.

Because we, as a Nation, are going down the same road as other Cities, such as Sodom and Gomorrha, shall we then not expect God to react the same way towards us?

Ezekiel 16:

47 Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.

48 As I live, saith the Lord God, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.

49 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.

50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

51 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.

52 Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.

God holds America even more guilty than Sodom, for not only do we commit the same Sins, we JUSTIFY them. We create Laws to PROTECT them. We Murder the most innocent of all Life and call it a Right of the Woman to do it. We, say it's OK to be Gay, and create Laws that limit how you may speak against it. We create Laws that say it's OK and you are FORCED to accept Homosexuality. We create Laws limiting God in Public Life and tell our Kids, there is no god. It is any wonder why the Country is in the state it is in? Well, the problem of teaching people that nothing is their fault, and there is no God, that they should live as they will, you get what you get. If you say anything goes, then anything will go.When you remove God, something else WILL always, take His place.

Is America's destruction inevitable? As long as it keeps going down the same road? Yes. There is only one way to save it. That is simply put God in America again. That is the only chance we have as a Nation. But as a Child of God, you must refrain from becoming like them. If the day comes when God sends Angels to seek out people in America that are Righteous enough to spare America Itself. Be one of those they find. Make sure your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Trust in Him, and not in Government. Trust in Him, The Creator, and let the Creature trust in itself.

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!