God's Waiting Room Special Guest Max Lucado

God's Waiting Room

Take a moment and look around you. Do you realize where we sit? This planet is God's waiting room.

The young couple in the corner? Waiting to get pregnant. The fellow with the briefcase? He has resumes all over the country, waiting on work. The elderly woman with the cane? A widow. Been waiting a year for one tearless day. Waiting. Waiting on God to give, help, heal. Waiting on God to come. We indwell the land betwixt prayer offered and prayer answered. The land of waiting.

Are you in God's waiting room? If so, here is what you need to know: while you wait, God works.

"My Father is always at his work," Jesus said (John 5:17 NIV). God never twiddles his thumbs. He never stops. He takes no vacations. He rested on the seventh day of creation but got back to work on the eighth and hasn't stopped since. Just because you are idle, don't assume God is. "Be still, and know that I am God" reads the sign on God's waiting room wall. You can be glad because God is good. You can be still because he is active. You can rest because he is busy.

Remember God's word through Moses to the Israelites? "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD ... The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" (Ex.14:13–14). The Israelites saw the Red Sea ahead of them and heard the Egyptian soldiers thundering after them. Death on both sides. Stand still? Are you kidding? But what the former slaves couldn't see was the hand of God at the bottom of the water, creating a path, and his breath from heaven, separating the waters. God was working for them.

God worked for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The angel told her that she would become pregnant. The announcement stirred a torrent of questions in her heart. How would she become pregnant? What would people think? What would Joseph say? Yet God was working for her. He sent a message to Joseph, her fiance. God prompted Caesar to declare a census. God led the family to Bethlehem. "God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him" (Rom. 8:28 CEV).

To wait, biblically speaking, is not to assume the worst, worry, fret, make demands, or take control. Nor is waiting inactivity. Waiting is a sustained effort to stay focused on God through prayer and belief. To wait is to "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; ... not fret" (Ps. 37:7).

55 Million Dead

55 million innocent lives lost.

Did you know that in South Africa, there are about 49,991,300 people. In South Korea, 49,773,145. Spain 46,951,532, Colombia 45,569,000? More than the entire population of these countries have been slaughtered. Think about that. More innocent people have been legally slaughter in THIS country, since 1973, than the entire population of South Africa.

Yet, if you speak out against this, you are called "Chauvinistic," "Outdated," "Stupid," "Hateful," ETC. Seriously. Why? Because we have turned Sin into Good, and Good into Sin. Because 7 men, in 1973, said it is perfectly legal, for a Woman to slaughter that innocent life she is carrying in her. They said it's not a life. They said, it's nothing. They call it a "Right" for the Women to decide if it lives or dies. They call it Abortion.

 55 million innocent lives lost. Imagine who any one of those people could have been. The next President? The Scientist that discovers the cure for Cancer? The next great Sports figure? Your friend? Your Husband or Wife? They ALL had a plan and purpose. We ended it. We as a Nation said, sorry, you do not have the Right to live. "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate," {Romans 8} Then we decided, Nope. The Woman has the "Right" to kill it.

Forget that God knows his or her name. Forget that God has set up a destiny for that person. Forget that "His eyes did see their substance, yet being unperfect; and in His book all their members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." {Psalms 139} Forget that even the hairs on their head were numbered and known of God {Matthew 10, Luke 12} We say, it's not a life. We say, it's nothing.

Forget that God lays out the penalty for hurting a Woman with Child, "If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." {Exodus 21}

Were you aware that an eye for an eye was all about hurting a Woman's unborn Child? It is. God sees Human life as precious. He told Noah that all was for his meat, with the exception of Man's life. God told Noah, " Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." {Genesis 9}

55 million dead. 55 million of the most innocent lives murdered in a country where we recite "One nation under God, indivisible." We are being divided everyday, by those that profit from doing so. We are divided by sex. We are divided by Race. We are divided by Class. We are even being divided by the Truth of God.

Ever wonder why the all out attack on anything Biblical? On anything Godly? Ever wonder why the most vicious attacks are on those that believe in Jesus? Simple. No God, no devil. No God, no devil, no hell. No God, no devil, no Hell, no Sin. No Sin, do whatsoever you will.

I got some news for ya. "For I the Lord do not change;" {Malachi 3} and "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." {Hebrews 13} God doesn't change. His Word doesn't change. What was Sin then, is Sin now. In some cases, will kill you quicker at that. God doesn't care what you think. He doesn't care if you think you evolved in your thinking. He doesn't care if you think being "Pro-Choice" is compassionate or an intellectually superior mindset. He calls it Murder. He calls it evil and Sin.

55 million dead. Well, it Is the Woman's Body? The Life she is carrying inside her is not her own. As for her body being her's? No. No, it's not. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own," {1 Corinthians 6} If you are Married? "For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does." {1 Corinthians 7}

No matter how Man decides to justify it, God calls it Murder. The Slaughter of the most innocent Life. He also says a price will be paid by those the do such things. 1973 seven Men got together and said it's now OK to slaughter an unborn Child. 55 million has been since slaughtered.

"I believe in God, but I do not believe in Jesus, or His Resurrection." Then you do not believe in God. I believe in God, but I do not believe in the Bible." Then you do not believe in God. "I believe in God, but I also believe that times change and we must evolve." Then you do not believe in God. "I believe in God, but, I also believe a Woman has the right to choose." Then you do not believe in God. The sad thing is, most stand by and say, "Well, it's 2014, who cares." Who cares? God does.

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

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

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

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

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

Are You Tired Of Bigotry?

I am.

So I have a question for ya. Do you BELIEVE the Word of God, or Man? Do you care more about what Man says or thinks of you, than what God says or thinks of you? Who do you serve? When are you going to stand up and say enough. I'm there.

This latest controversy is an Actor quoting Scripture and being suspended from the Show that most likely is the highest Grossing Show on the Network, then being reinstated because the Show that most likely is the highest Grossing Show on the Network, doesn't really concern me. However, WHY what happened, happened, does. It is simple Bigotry.

Ask yourself this. The Pope, was just chosen by Liberal Groups as Man of the Year. The Pope. The Head of the Catholic Church. Who, one would assume, believes the Bible and attempts to follow God. Yet, a Christian Actor quotes Scripture and is targeted for destruction. It does go to show the mentality of these people.

What it really boils down to is, Do you believe? Do you believe the Bible? Do you believe God?

Man says, "It's OK to be Gay. Gays should have the 'Right' to Marry and receive benefits for doing such." God says:

Leviticus 18:

22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Ezekiel 16:

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.

Substitute America, for Samaria here. By the Supreme Court Ruling the way they did, and the way some in this country attack anyone that speaks against Homosexuality, they not only condoned Homosexuality, but rather justified it. They say it's now OK. And they also say, anyone who speaks out against it, is committing Sin against society. We have made Sin, Good, and Good, Sin. The Word declares,

Romans 1:

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.

Man says "It's OK to slaughter your unborn child. We will call it a choice. A Woman's Right. After all, it is her body." God says:

Exodus 20:

13 Thou shalt not kill.

Exodus 21:

22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.

23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

But it's the woman's body... Uh, nope.

1 Corinthians 6:

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

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

If you are Married?

1 Corinthians 7:

4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Man tells us we can not worship God in Public. They have invented this nonexistent "Wall of Separation" in essence, removing God from Public Life. They tell us "there is no God. But then again, if you want to worship this "invisible man in the sky" go ahead. Just keep it behind closed doors." As for Jesus? Even some secularist that now say there really was a man named Jesus, but he was nothing important. Just a Rabbi

John 1:

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

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

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

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

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

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

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

John 10:

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

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

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

John 14:

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

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

To me, it does not matter what man says. It only matters what God says. They call anyone that believes in God "close minded." They say "They are uneducated, Racists, Bigoted, Chauvinistic, Homophobes, that do not understand what is good for them." Our President said "They get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." They claim to be more open minded, and accepting of others, than "Christians" Yet, if anyone dares to offer an opinion that does not match up with their world view, they attack. Yup, that's real open minded. Here is an honest debate.

You come to me and say "I love Pumpkin Pie." I absolutely HATE Pumpkin Pie. I'm not kidding. I'm not just making a point, I really DO hate Pumpkin Pie. You say to me, "Let me give you a piece." I say "No thank you. I hate Pumpkin Pie." You say "Why? How could you?" We discuss it a bit. You may even tell me why I should love it too. But in the end, I will tell you, "Look, if you like it, cool. Eat all you want. Just do not offer me any."

Do I hate you because you love Pumpkin Pie? No. Should you hate me because I don't. No. Will I tell you, you will not longer be allowed to eat Pumpkin Pie because I do not like it? Of course not. That is simply flat out stupid. Will you tell me I have to because you love it? Of course not. That is simply flat out stupid.

I will tell you the Truth. I will share with you The Word of God. You can chose to accept it or not. You will no longer tell me that I cannot believe in God and His Word. You will no longer attempt to restrict when and where I do. I will no longer accept any attacks on me for Jesus's name sake. God's, or His Word. Oh, they will come, I get that. But I will no longer cower. I will no longer hold my tongue. I will no longer allow anyone to dictate to me, through fear and intimidation, when and where I share my Faith. You do not believe? Cool. I will not offer you a slice of Salvation. But you will not longer tell me I cannot enjoy my Salvation and offer it to others.

I believe in God. I believe in Jesus. I believe in His Word. I believe in what God says. I no longer care what your little mind thinks may be better for me. I serve the Creator, not the creature. I serve the Lord. I will no longer be Politically Correct. I will not longer be Socially Acceptable. I will no longer attempt to conform to the whims of others. I AM a Child of God. I AM an Heir to the promise. I AM a Prince of Heaven. My Daddy is the King. You? Well, you are either my Brother or Sister, or you are not. I cannot not chose for you. Do NOT attempt to chose for me. It will not longer be accepted. It will not longer be tolerated. "I am what I am because God made me." Plain and simple. So do not even think about trying it with me.

Again, the question is, "Do you believe?" If you are also tired of the Bigotry of anything "Christian," then it's time you stand up and do something about it. Do not sit and remain silent. Do not assume it is someone else's responsibility. Do not tolerate it any longer. Be the Child you are. Do what your Daddy tells you to do. Let them worry about them. If they tell you something that is against what God says, follow God. Are you a Child of God? Or are you a coward, bending knee to Man?

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

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

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

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

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

I Am Beautiful Because God Says I Am. Part Two, By Janis Smith

GRANDMA’S MIRROR, A REFLECTION OF GOD’S BEAUTY

By Janis Smith www.aspireministries.com 

You and I know people who embrace these truths in their lives because they simply radiate. My Grandma Money was one of those rare jewels. She knew that she was a reflection of God. She embraced who God said she was.

Her name; Beulah Crystal Water Money.

THERE IS POWER IN A NAME

There is powerful significance in a name. Looking at the Word of God, we often see the character of the person by their name. Think about Esther meaning “Victorious”. “The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight.” Esther 2:17 Deborah meaning “New Era Of Leadership”. “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” Isaiah 65:17 Mary is the name meaning “Blessed” “And having come in, the angel said to her, “rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Luke 1:28 And what about Hannah, which means,“Compassionate”. “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.”Psalm 145:8 God even changed the names of some of the people in the Bible because their life was about to dramatically change. For instance let’s look at the life of Sarai. Her name meant “woman of high rank” mostly because of her husband Abram’s position. God changed her name to Sarah, which meant “beloved”. “All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.” Psalm 45:13. Because of who God saw her to be He changed it to Sarah. God was about to do something colossal in her life. Her name was to line up with His Word.

Your name is equally important. The Bible says that your tongue is a weapon bringing forth life and death. When your name is mentioned it not only speaks life into you but life into the atmosphere. It affirms who you are.

GOD IS !

God has many names, too many to mention but it is well worth looking them up and embracing WHO GOD IS! I recommend that you take time to soak in and declare His Names. They will change your life as you draw closer to Him and His Character through His Names and apply them to your life. (John Paul Jackson has a powerful soaking CD and Book, 365 NAMES OF GOD. You may visit his link @ www.streamsministries.com

Her name, Beulah Crystal Water Money was a reflection of who God made her to be. Beulah is a Hebrew name meaning, “marriage”. It was used in the Old Testament referring to the land of Israel. “You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married.” Isaiah 62:4 Remember the beautiful song “Beulah Land” sung by Squire Parsons in 1979 and how it touched our lives as we longed for Heaven. Crystal is a Latin word in origin and means “Sparkling” and “Pure”. “Do not let anyone treat you as if your are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be and example to the believers with…your pure life.” I Timothy 4:12. Water is an essential element of life. “Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38. Money speaks of provision, wealth and blessing.

Grandma was a reflection of her name and who God created her to be. She loved her beloved Jesus with her whole heart reflecting His Glory. Her face was sparkling and pure reflecting her beautiful inner being. She poured from out of her heart living water. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren. Grandma Money simply loved people and dearly loved children. On occasion, my cousin Kim and I would spend the night in the “big house on the hill” with our Grandparents. In the afternoons, we would have the great privilege of sitting in the back yard, sipping lemonade, surrounded by neighborhood children. Grandma taught backyard Bible Schools during the day and poured into them, “and us” the love of Jesus.

It makes me smile when I go back in time and remember walking up Grandma’s steep concrete stairway, lined with white hydrangeas. (And sometimes a periwinkle blue depending on the acidity) As a little child I did not know they had such a fancy name and simply called them “SNOW BALLS”. Taking each step anticipating a big greeting. Carefully opening the door and stepping up onto the screened in porch I knew Grandma would hear me. Grandma would hear my footsteps, swing wide her door of love and kiss my face repeatedly. She would tenderly pinch my cheeks and take a good look into my heart. Always leaving behind prints of her lipstick and fingerprints of her love. Then, Grandma would take me into her arms and hug me until I was smothered and covered not leaving any room for doubt.

Grandma had a special way of letting me know over and over that she loved me. Sometimes she would simply glance around the corner or across the room past a sea of adults, catch my eye and give me a double wink…one eye at a time. I can feel her love even now as I write this precious memory for you my friend.

THE INDELIBLE MARK OF LOVE

Grandma left an indelible mark upon my life that is worth more than silver or gold. She gave me the greatest gift of all, love. Dear friend, Grandma was able to lavish her love upon me in this remarkable way because SHE KNEW GOD LOVED HER, ACCEPTING THE WOMAN GOD MADE HER TO BE AND WALKING IN IT! “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift ofprophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” I Corinthians 13:1-8

Grandma was a beautiful lady, jolly like we think of Santa Clause. Her cheeks were rosy, her smile always drawn, she laughed a lot and her tummy did shake like a bowl full of jelly. She was full of the Holy Spirit and out of it flowed rivers of LIVING WATER!

Grandma lived into her nineties. In her latter years, she lived in a nursing home here in Chattanooga. I had the great privilege of spending precious and wonderful days with her. Although her body had changed and was no longer able to function as it once did…I could always count on a wink, a kiss, a pinch and a hug. Leaving the indelible marks of her love and life all over again. At times, Grandma slept quite a bit and did not really know what was going on in this world. However, she never lost who she was inside. Sitting by her bedside, reaching into her drawer I would always take out her pink long handled mirror. It always triggered a special time of reflection and joy for both of us.

You see she had looked into that mirror for many years. I remember as a little girl walking into her room looking across the bed and seeing her mirror on her tall dresser. I would stand on my tiptoes and pick up the silver long handled mirror. It was sitting on a little oval silver tray along with her perfumes. Sometimes I would spray a little of her fragrance on my tiny little wrist and neck and look into the mirror like Grandma did. I would look into that mirror with a pure little heart and smile, seeing the reflection of who God made me. Grandma among others showed me how to love myself like God loved me.

In latter years…when Grandma was in the Nursing Home, I would pull out the now pink plastic mirror placing it in front of Grandma’s beautiful face. She would always take her precious worn and weary little hand out from the warm blanket, smile and double wink at me. Taking hold of the mirror and positioning it just right it, she would wink and smile at her self and say, “BEAUTIFUL BEULAH”. It made her feel alive! She was proud of who God made her. Her voice rings within my heart even now. She is “BEAUTIFUL BEULAH” the reflection of who her GOD SAYS SHE IS and who I know her to be.

BE FILLED WITH GOD AND ENJOY THE OIL OF GLADNESS AND JOY

Precious woman of God, “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.” Psalm 46:3-5

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1

Just as my Grandmother tapped into the living water of life, Holy Spirit invites you to come to the waters and drink! "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Isaiah 55:1 There is an oil of gladness and joy when we come to the River of God and Drink. When we drink of Who He is and rest in who He made us to be, He is then able to freely renew our strength in the river of joy. "...Do not sorrow, for the joyu of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10. Come to the WATER and DRINK of HIS LOVE FOR YOU TODAY. You too are the reflection of who God says You are!You are loved with an EVERLASTING LOVE! "Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor epth, nor any other created thin, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 You are greatly loved! Tap into the intimate love of Jesus and step into the beautiful woman of God He has created you to be. Look in the mirror and see your reflection as Jesus shines upon you today! You are beautiful because GOD Says You Are!

PRAYER OF REFLECTION:

"Dear Jesus,

There have been times in my life where I did not know the truth in Your Word. I now realize and choose to believe and embrace the Truth of Your Everlasting Love for Me. You made me in Your image and I am a reflection of You. You promised to give me a future and a hope and I choose to step into it. No matter what others say about me, I know that You are the one Who created and fashioned me with great love, care and a plan and a purpose for good.

Lord, remove any man made walls that have been built throughout my life keeping me from knowing You, Your love for me and who I am in You. I repent for the times when I allowed people to speak death into my life, believing their negative lies. By the authority of Your Name, I break the chains of unforgiveness and thoughts of unworthiness. I forgive those who have hurt me. I receive Your love in its place. Today I choose to believe that Your Love toward me is patient and kind. Your Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Your love for me will never fail because You love me unconditionally.

Beginning today I look in the mirror of Your Word and see what You say about me. I will diligently seek You daily and step into who You Say that I am. Fill the empty places in my heart that once held negative words with Your Holy Spirit. Pour Your Anointing Oil over my wounds so that I may once again be healed and whole. I choose to radiate Your love and light as I reflect Who You Are and Who I am in You. Becoming who You created me to be, glorifying Your Name."

I ASPIRE TO BE WHO GOD CREATED ME TO BE!

IN YOU I LIVE AND HAVE MY BEING

IN JESUS NAME!

BLESSINGS, GRACE AND LOVE

I Am Beautiful Because God Says I Am, Special Guest, Janis Smith

I AM BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE GOD SAYS I AM!

Janis Smith

  

 

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit

that we are children of God,

and if children, then heirs -

heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." 

Romans 8:16-17b

“But we all, with unveiled face,

beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,

are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,

just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

I am beautiful because God says I am! This powerful true statement says it all doesn’t it? You are beautiful because God says you are. “PERIOD.” When you walk in that kind of word, there is nothing, no nothing that will change your mind or sway your thinking otherwise. You are Beautiful because GOD SAYS YOU ARE!

At times our thinking is turned upside down and inside out as the Holy Spirit continues to line up our thinking to the Thoughts of God. He wants us to see ourselves through His Eyes, Through His Perspective.“Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:5 God formed us and breathed life into our tiny little bodies. He designed us to be beautiful reflections of Himself and from our reflection He would receive the Glory.

From the time we are born, the world and people around us begin to either encourage or destroy who we are and everything in between. The one thing that is stable and sure is the WORD OF GOD. The Bible is Truth spoken by Almighty God Who is the ALPHA AND OMEGA, The Beginning and The End. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus said, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, no man comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

It is when we read His Word, Listen to His Voice, embrace and believe God is Who He says He is and we are who He says we are that we become who He says we are! LISTENING, MEDITATING ON HIS WORD, EMBRACING AND BELIEVING ARE THE KEYS.

As born again believers we have a special privilege given by God Almighty. The Holy Spirit Illuminates His Word in a very personal way as we read it! Rhema Words suddenly pop up on the page as if they are highlighted…and they are…they are highlighted by the Holy Spirit. When you were a sinner through the reading of the Word and the Illumination of the Holy Spirit your sinful nature was revealed. This was what drew you to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It was at that moment the two of you began a living breathing relationship. It was at that very moment that the Word of God became ALIVE! IT BECAME THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY! James 1:25 You were given a new perspective on life. Beginning your journey into His heart. Learning to “Live and Move and Have Your Being In Him.” Acts 17:28 At that precise moment, the Word of God became a mirror. Reflecting in your spirit the Words GOD SPOKE ABOUT YOU BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. SO YOU COULD BECOME WHAT IT SAID! As HE IS, SO ARE WE because HIS DIVINE NATURE IS WITHIN US!

We no longer have to try to train the flesh because we cannot! That flesh is dead and gone. It no longer exists unless we go back and pull it out of the grave. We are a NEW CREATION CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS!!!!! We are the TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! Because of this revelation of change, the DIVINE NATURE OF GOD is what HE SEES WHEN HE LOOKS AT US!!!! We are SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES! Let the “LAW” become your friend. Look in it to see the reflection of who God sees you to be! Simply Believe who God says you are!

Here are just a few of the reflective things God says about you! Decree them daily and allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to become who He says you are:

I am Loved with AN EVERLASTING LOVE

“The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:“ 

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; 

Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.”

Jeremiah 31:3

I am the Temple of the Holy Spirit 

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God 

and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

I Corinthians 3:16

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit

who is in you, whom you have from God,

and you are not your own?”

I Corinthians 6:19

I have been given the Keys to the Kingdom to open doors to my future

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,

and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, 

and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 

Matthew 18:19

God has given me AUTHORITY AND DOMINION over the enemy

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, 

“He who has the key of David, 

He who opens and no one shuts, 

and shuts and no one opens”: 

“I know your works. 

See, I have set before you an open door,

and no one can shut it; 

for you have a little strength, have kept My word, 

and have not denied My name.” 

Revelation 3:6-8

I am SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS

“But God, who is rich in mercy, 

because of His great love with which He loved us,

even when we were dead in trespasses,

made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

and raised us up together, 

and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

that in the ages to come 

He might show the exceeding riches of His grace 

in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 

Ephesians 2:4-7 

I AM SUPERNATURAL

Then God said, 

“Let Us make man in Our image, 

according to Our likeness; 

let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,

over the birds of the air, and over the cattle,

over all the earth 

and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 1:21

I am BLESSED

“Now it shall come to pass, 

if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God,

to observe carefully all His commandments 

which I command you today,

that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 

And all these blessings shall come upon you

and overtake you, 

because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:

“Blessed shall you be in the city,

and blessed shall you be in the country. 

“Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, 

the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, 

the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. 

“Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 

“Blessed shall you be when you come in, 

and blessed shall you be when you go out. 

“The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you 

to be defeated before your face; 

they shall come out against you one way 

and flee before you seven ways. 

“The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses

and in all to which you set your hand,

and He will bless you in the land 

which the LORD your God is giving you. 

“The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, 

just as He has sworn to you,

if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God 

and walk in His ways. 

Then all peoples of the earth shall see 

that you are called by the name of the LORD, 

and they shall be afraid of you. 

And the LORD will grant you plenty of goods,

in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock,

and in the produce of your ground,

in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.

The LORD will open to you His good treasure, 

the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season,

and to bless all the work of your hand. 

You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 

And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; 

you shall be above only, and not be beneath, 

if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God,

which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 

So you shall not turn aside from any of the words 

which I command you this day,

to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”

Deuteronomy 28:1-14

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly places in Christ” 

Ephesians 1:3

I am a Child and Joint Heir with THE KING

“But as many as received Him,

to them He gave the right to become children of God,

to those who believe in His name” 

John 1:12

“ Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,

that we should be called the sons of God.” 

I John 3:1

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, 

these are sons of God. 

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, 

but you received the Spirit of adoption 

by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit 

that we are children of God, and if children, 

then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,

if indeed we suffer with Him, 

that we may also be glorified together.” 

Romans 8:16

I am a NEW CREATION CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is new creation; 

old things have passed away; 

behold, all things have become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

I am the HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL

"And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; 

you shall be above only, and not be beneath, 

if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God,

which I command you today, and are careful to observe them."

Deuteronomy 28:13 

I am BEAUTIFUL, WONDROUSLY MADE

“Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,

But the night shines as the day; 

The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.” 

Psalm 139:12-14

I AM COVERED BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS

“Therefore, brethren, 

having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 

by a new and living way which He consecrated for us,

through the veil, that is, His flesh, 

and having a High Priest over the house of God,

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, 

having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience 

and our bodies washed with pure water.” 

Hebrews 10:19-22

I Am THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

"And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” 

And let him who hears say, “Come!” 

And let him who thirsts come. 

Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

Revelation 22:17

I Am HIS BELOVED AND HE IS MINE

“But you are a chosen generation, 

a royal priesthood, a holy nation, 

His own special people, 

that you may proclaim the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness 

into His marvelous light;” 

I Peter 2:9

I can DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

I Am SET FREE

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

John 8:36

I Am a PRIEST AND KING

"John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: 

Grace to you

And peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come,

And from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness,

The firstborn from the dead, 

And the ruler over the kings of the earth. 

To Him who loved us, 

And washed us from our sins in His own blood, 

And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father,

To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Revelation 1:4-6

GOD CREATED ME WITH A PLAN AND A PURPOSE

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, 

says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, 

to give you a future and a hope. 

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, 

and I will listen to you. 

And you will seek Me and find Me, 

when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Please join us this Sunday for part Two of I AM BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE GOD SAYS I AM! By Janis Smith www.aspireministries.com until then, be Blessed and be a Blessing. May God be with you, always.. 

Five Most Common Regrets in Life, Number 1

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

To recap, we have been discussing the Article that was written by Nurse Bronnie Ware. She spent some years dealing with people toward the end of their lives and found that there are five common regrets they had about life itself. To this point, we discussed...

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

What was the number one regret? "I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."

Nurse Bronnie Ware wrote this..

"This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it."

How many times have you hear successful people say "You know, when I first started out, all these people told me I can't do it. That I would never be {Insert whatever here, a Singer, Actor, Radio Guy, Movie Star, Business Person. Whatever} But I chose not to listen to them. I followed my {Heart, Dream, Desire Whatever} and look at me now."

How many times have you heard someone that was at the end of there life, ask, "What if?" "If only?" "I wish I had at least tried." You see, it works both ways. If you listen to people telling you how you should live your life, your life becomes theirs. Not yours. You end up being someone you were never meant to be. Life is too short to live it for others. Along the way, you may also discover you totally missed out on actually living the life you were meant to live.

There is a passage in The Word, that took me some time to fully get. But I have made it my own. It is one hundred percent true. Simply put "I am what I am." Why? God made me this way. "But by the grace of God I am what I am:" {1 Corinthians 15:10}

The Psalmist worte:

Psalm 139:

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

God tells us "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," {Jeremiah 1:5} Jesus tells us that we should never fear. Not only does God love us, as His Children, "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." {Luke 12:7}

Think about that for a second. God "hast possessed your reins: thou hast covered you in your Mother's womb." "Your substance was not hid from God, when you were made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. God's eyes did see your substance, yet being unperfect; and in God's book all your members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

You are YOU. Why? Because God made you YOU. You are as tall as you are. You are Male or Female. You are Black or White. You have Blonde Hair, or Brown, or Red. God made you who you are. You were "Fashioned" as God saw fit. He even took the time to number the hairs on your head. There is only one of you, and God knows EVERYTHING about you. He loves you.

In Romans we find the Five Steps of an Anointed Life.

Romans 8

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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

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

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Again, God,,,

1 "For whom He did foreknow," knew you before you were even conceived. Wrote your members in His Book. You were Fashioned, or Formed, the way God chose you to be.

2 "He also did predestinate " He set up a plan and a purpose for you to accept Jesus's Sacrifice and be called into the Family of God. He has plans for you.

3 "Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called" This is where you come in. God calls you. You are reading this for a reason. You accepted the invitation to go to Church with Family or Friends this past Holiday Season for a reason. You clicked on that TV Preacher while surfing for something to watch, for a reason. God is calling you.

He does not care what you think. He does not care what you have done. He does not care about what others may or may not think of you. He is calling YOU. The same eyes that looked into Matthew's sitting at the Table of Customs, Peter on the Fishing Boat, Saul on the Road to Damascus, is looking into your eyes right now, saying "Follow me." What is your answer? Yes, or No?

If you say No. Nothing will change. There will be no hail of fire and brimstone falling down on your head. There will be no demons slithering up through the ground to suck you into Hell. Truth is, things will go on for you pretty much as normal. You will either fail or succeed in your life. You will still be the choices you make.

If you say Yes? Then,,,,

4 "whom He called, them He also justified" Meaning "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together." {Romans 8:15-17} Which is the Last Step...

5 "them He also glorified." God will glorify you in the end. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." {Matthew 24:13} And "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, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."{Luke 18:29-30}

You see, Jesus knows that some will turn away, when you become a Child of God. Jesus even so much as told us that we would be down right HATED by some. Even those that we love, may turn their backs, when we start talking about God. Why? "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." {John 15:18} Never care what others think of you. Only care what your Father thinks of you. People come and go. God is there, always.

Lets say that God puts it into your heart to be a Business Owner. You may have many people telling you, "You can't do that." Or a Singer. "You can't do that. Your not good enough." Or a person with their own Radio Show. "Who do you think you are?" Better yet, what if God calls you to Preach? Then you may see those you love turning their backs on you a WHOLE LOT quicker. Truth is, the World loves it's own. It HATES anything that is not.

Think about Moses, Jonah, Jeremiah, Ananias, just to name a few. These are reluctant Servants of God. They themselves did not think they would be able to do it. Forget about others. They themselves didn't think they were God's right choice. In the end, they were obedient, and everything worked out as God Planned. Whatever it is, that God tells you to do. Just do it. Be you. Let others worry about themselves.

Do not let not being you, true to yourself, your dreams, or whatever it is God puts in your heart, be one of your End of Life regrets. Life your life. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

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

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

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

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

This article by Bronnie Ware, first appeared on inspirationandchai.com via @ Real Farmacy

Five Most Common Regrets in Life, 2

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

We have been talking about the Five most common regrets of life, that Nurse Bronnie Ware, has compiled over the years. The article by Bronnie Ware, first appeared on inspirationandchai.com via @ Real Farmacy. This next one is one we have talked about in the past. However, this statement she makes is one that may be surprising to some of you. She said this. "This came from every male patient that I nursed." Read that again. "This came from every male patient that I nursed." EVERY? She went on to say this.

"They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."

Again she said "All of the men." Used to be, people would work 9-5 Monday through Friday. They would go out and do whatever it was that would supply them with the money to live. The Wife and Mother, would stay home to raise the Children. Then after Dad got home, they would all sit around the table and have dinner. Talking, sharing their day's events. Then came the Weekends, where they would spend time as a family.

Used to be that the three most important things to most average Families in America, were Faith, Family, Freedom. They would fight to the death to defend all three. Divorce was done, but was shunned. Frowned upon. Not widely accepted. For the most part. Most followed God's Family plan.. Man, head of house. Wife, head of Children. Husbands and Wives saw Marriage as something for life. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." {Gen 2:24} and "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." {Mark 10:6-9}

There was something else that was not so predominate. Government involvement in our lives. It was a pretty simple concept. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." {2 Thessalonians 3} If something happen, and due to no fault of your own, the Man could not work, or the Man died, then it was up to Family, Friends, and Church, to help out. Not the Government. There was no Welfare. There was no Unemployment. No Food Stamps. There was nothing. Not really. Not like today when over HALF the American Population collect some sort of Government Assistance. If you did back then, it was a cause of shame.

Then something happened. Work started expanding. Instead of 5 pm now some would be asked to work later. Then "Shift Work" came into being. Do you work 8 to 4 or 4 to 12? Then, why stop at 12. Lets stay open 24-7. Got to make the money. Hey, why not work on Saturdays? It was a trend going so quickly that it ran into the "Blue Law" head first.

The "Blue Laws" were said to have been started in Colonial Virginia in the 1620s. Similar laws intended to keep the Sabbath {Which they saw as Sunday at the time} Holy, were soon adopted elsewhere in America. This meant, all forms of trade or commerce were outlawed. No public entertainment or meetings were permitted Of course, this did not include going to Church. Even travel on Sunday was banned, except for emergencies. This was done to prevent, outside influences from taking time away from? Say it with me, Faith, Family, Freedom.

Then some started asking, Why? Why not open on Sundays? Everyone is off. Perfect day to make more money. One stayed open. The "Laws" were ignored. Then another said, Hey why are they open? Look at the money they are making. So they started opening. Now we even have Banks open seven days a week. Money is becoming people's God, Banks people's Churches. Stuff is what people crave. The only way to get Stuff, is to have the money you need to get it. "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom." {Proverbs 23} New King James Version says "4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!"

God does not want to you worry. Jesus taught us this fact, that as a Child of God, put our trust in Him, He is faithful and just, to meet our every need. In...

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.

22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

You know the saying, "You can't take it with you?" This is a Biblical Principle as well. Being a Biblical Principle, makes it an absolute truth.

1 Timothy 6:

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

There are many people that have "made it." That are "Well off." Many with Riches that most can only dream of. But in the end? What do they have? Remember the conversation with the Rich and Famous Person?

"I love traveling the world. I love meeting people. I love walking into the spotlight, hearing tens of thousands chanting my name. I love when I hear this or that little kid, wants to be, just like me. But you know what? I was there when MY kids were born. I was there when they Graduated High School. But I missed the first word. I missed the first step. I did not even know what their favorite color was. I blinked, and all of a sudden, they were real people. Living their lives. I was so busy being "me" that I totally missed everything."

If you had it to do over again, would you?

"Sad truth? Yup. You can not understand the power of fame and the lure of wealth. I guess I'm happy that they are well off. That they will never have to struggle. They have no clue what it means to worry about bills. My Wife, well, second, has to only worry about doing things she wants to do. I have a pretty good life."

But the one thing they never did have? You.

Silence...........

Now that you are getting up there, how long will you be trying to do this?

"I don't know. Can't really walk too well anymore. Take Pills and probably drink a bit too much to numb the pain. But I do not know anything else..This is who I am."

You know, when that spot light goes out, and the people go home, and this person is sitting alone in the Hotel room, what do you think they are thinking about? What do you think the people are thinking about? What is more important? Does it matter? In Pro Wrestling, Football, even Baseball, you can be a hero. You can be worshiped. But when you can no longer "go?" All those "fans" will walk away and go to someone else. The "Game" will go on. In Entertainment? When you fade away, or go out in a Blaze of Glory, someone else will step up. In Business, when your Company stops being profitable, another will take it's place. Just the way of the world. But YOU remain you. The real you. What is truly import to you?

As a Child of God, we must cherish His gifts. You are a gift from God. Your life is. Your Spouse is. Your Kids most definitely are. Each day is a gift. Do you travel through it at the speed of life? Or do you slow down and notice everything. Truly experience Life itself.

"Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." I know. I know. I do not understand. I understand that you feel you have to work two jobs just to meet your needs. I get it. But let me ask you this. Are you trusting in yourself, and your abilities to meet your needs, or are you trusting in God to be true to His Word, that all your needs will be met?

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

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

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

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

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

The article by Bronnie Ware, first appeared on inspirationandchai.com via @ Real Farmacy

Five Most Common Regrets in Life, 3

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

We are talking about the 5 most common regrets in life. These are real, deathbed confessions gathered by Nurse Bronnie Ware, over a period or time. Since we are now in the New Year, and planing on making some of those New Year Resolutions, why not try to avoid these 5 common regrets in life itself. At the end, it's too late to change.

Remember, the first two {Number 5, and 4, on our list} are,,

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Today, we are going to talk about number 3 "I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings."

Did you know, that keeping your feelings bottled up is not good for you. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. Also if we try to pretend to be someone we are not, eventually, we will regret that as well. We cannot control the reactions of others. Nor, believe it or not, are we responsible for their Happiness.

Do you go to a Foot Doctor to pull your Teeth? Of course not. But what if that Dentist is actually a Podiatrist. He is not going to do a great job on your Teeth. But what if someone is looking for you, and you are too busy pretending to be someone else?

To often, we find ourselves thinking, if only I was, pick one, Cooler, Stronger, Faster, Smarter, Prettier, Richer, more important of a person, then people would love me. Is that TRULY what you want? Remember what Jesus said about those that do things for the praise of Men, "They have their reward." You should be more concerned with the way God sees you. Not how man does.

Think about this also. You are YOU. God created you. You are the way you are for a reason. Would God chose someone like a Giant to battle Goliath. Nope. He chose the scrawniest, youngest, Boy, He could find. One with a pure heart towards God though. If someone is looking for you, and you are disguising yourself as someone else, they will not even see the real you.

Being you, means you have thoughts and opinions that are unique. Do not be afraid to express them. But "what if" someone thinks this or that about you. So? You cannot control what they think, or how they see you. This is one of the main reasons that some do not share the Gospel with others. "What if they think I'm a weirdo?" "They are going to think I'm a stupid, backwoods hick." "What if my friends turn their back on me?" Jesus said this,,

"For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” {Mark 8:38} 

He also said

 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." {Matthew 10:32-33}

Think about that. Jesus said, if you are too ashamed or scared, to tell others who He is, and what HE did, then He will not share with those in Heaven, who you are. In other words, if you are doing things for Man's acceptance and praise, then you have your reward.

The Psalmist wrote "I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. {Psalm 119:46} Isaiah said "For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." {Isaiah 50:7} They did not care what man thought. Look at David....

2 Samuel 6

20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself!

21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel: therefore will I play before the Lord.

David was dancing in the Streets while they we moving the Ark of the Covenant. He did not care about what people thought of him. I love this phrase. "therefore will I play before the Lord." Why not? Who cares what others think? God chose YOU to be His Child. Jesus came and died for you. You have been adopted into the Family of God. You are an heir, with Christ, for the Kingdom. As long as you are approved by God, who cares what man thinks is good or appropriate.

Writing to Timothy, Paul puts it this way "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." {2 Timothy 2:15} "But Pete, They are not going to like me talking about all this stuff. They are going to think I'm different." YOU ARE!! You are a Child of God. A Prince or Princess of Heaven itself. You ARE different. You have been adopted into the Family of God. Chances are, those that do not accept what you are saying, simply cannot hear you. They are NOT Children of God. Again, we are all God's Creation, but not all God's Children.

John 8:

42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Remember, Jesus was talking to Priests and Rules of Synagogues here. Again, it is not your responsibility to see to it that those you are talking to accept the Truth. It is your responsibility to tell them. That's it. The rest is between them and God. Once the Seed leaves you, and goes into the ground, it is God who waters it.

What is important is you know the Truth. John tells us we need to test the Spirits.

1 John 4:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

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

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

"Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." That's pretty simple to understand. Is it not? "All Religion should be treated as equal." That's find. But we are not talking about Religion. We are talking about Truth and Reality. Any Religion that leaves out Jesus being the Christ and the Only "Way, Truth, and Life," is nothing more than Man-made Traditions.

Some would even argue that Religion can very well be a tool of the Evil One. Think about that. All he has to do is keep you from accepting Jesus's Sacrifice for you. He does not care how "religious" you are. As long as he can keep you from accepting the Gift of God, then you belong to him. It really is that simple. Be a good little {Insert Religion here} all you want. Give money to Charity. Bring food to the Hungry. Help the poor all you want. Talk about God. He doesn't care about any of that. Just whatever you do, do not speak the name Jesus the Christ, nor accept that He came to Earth, was Crucified, and has risen from the dead for the payment of Sin for all mankind. "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist"

Tomorrow is never guaranteed. So often we hear those that loose loved ones, "I wish I had a chance to tell them,,,," Think about 9-11. A Tuesday. A normal, boring, Tuesday. 2,996 people got up that morning. 19 of them knew this was their last day on earth, because they thought God was telling them to carry out this evil act. 2977 people had no idea. They got up, did their morning routine, and headed out the door. Their loved ones had no idea that this was the last time. The last hug. The last kiss. The last time they would ever see their loved ones again. What was the last thing you said to someone you love? Was it the last time? 

I just had this happen to me. I was leaving somewhere. I know this one person has some issues getting home. I asked "Do you need a ride?" They said "No. I have someone coming." "Sure?" "Yup. They should be pulling up any second." I left. I even rode past them, hoping that they would wave me over. They didn't. The person they rely on showed up really late. Did I leave them behind? No. I was there. I offered help. They said "No."

"I love you." If you mean it. Say it. Often. If you do love someone, why would you not want to tell them the Truth of Salvation? Imagine the regret of someone who knows the Truth, and finds out that someone they love, just left us. They died. "I always wanted to share Jesus with them, but I was afraid of what they would think of me." Tell them the Truth. If they chose to become offended, or think this or that of you, or reject it outright, that is on them. You can have a clear conscience. You did your part. Do not ever be afraid to be you. To express your true feelings. It is up to others, who will like the real you better than the phony you any day of the week, to accept you or not. It should be of no concern to you how they feel or what they think about you. Just be you. You may actually help them. They may actually help you.

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

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

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

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

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

The article by Bronnie Ware, first appeared on inspirationandchai.com via @ Real Farmacy