God Said, He Will Make It So

Nothing will stop God's Plan..Nothing.

We read it all the time. We understand it. We teach it. "God said, it was so." God said " Let there be light: and there was light." It was so.  God said "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." It was so. God said Let there be Life "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so." Then of course, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." It was so. {Genesis 1}

God said, it was so. God said, it was so. God said, it was so. Over and over again. Whatever God says, it becomes so. Why? God MAKES it so. It's not mystical. It's not magical. Oh it may seem that way to us from time to time. But it really is not. It is pretty simple. God said, He makes it so.

When you were a Child and you said to your friend, let's build a Fort. Did the Fort magically appear, or was it you and your friend that built it? When you look at the fresh Snow and say, I want to make a Snow Angel, does it just appear, or is it you that lay down on the Snow and make one? God said, it was so.

When you grow up, and you get a Job, you go in your first day. Does your Boss tell you, you need to do this, and not give you the tools you need to do it? No. He equips you with whatever you need. His concern is that the job gets done. He is going to do everything in his power to make it as easy for you to do it as possible. If something major comes up that is preventing you from completing your Job, you call the Boss. He takes care of it so you can just keep doing what you are doing. God said, it was so.

When God tells someone something, it is God who makes it so. God told Noah, build a big boat, because He was going to flood all his Creation killing everything, save Noah, his Wife, Sons, their Wives, and two of every kind. Noah must have said, WHAT?? It was God who made the Blue Prints. It was God who told Noah what kind of wood to use. It was God who told him how big it was to be, and exactly how to build it. It was God that gave Noah enough time to build it. {Genesis 5:32-10:1} God said to Noah, God made it so..

God said to Moses take my people out of the land of Egypt. Moses said What? God said...

"I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good and large land, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt."{Exodus 3:7-10}

Moses had no desire to go to Pharaoh. He had no idea what to do. He even had a stuttering problem. He was ashamed of that. He even told God,

"I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."{Exodus 4:10}

Here is this guy, tending Sheep. An outcast of his own people. One with a stuttering problem that he was ashamed and embarrassed by. Here comes God telling him, you are going to go to the most powerful person on the planet that has the power to kill you, and you are going to tell him to let all his Slaves and Workforce leave and go free. Then you will lead them all to the Promised Land and you will be their Teacher. You will learn from me, and you will teach them. It is a pretty interesting story you should read in total. Moses argued with God, using every excuse he could find, that God refuted every time.

Was it Moses that turned his Staff into a Snake and back again? No. Was it Moses that caused the Plagues and Death in Egypt? Nope. Was it Moses who parted the Red Sea? Not a chance. Actually, think about that. Moses was being begrudgingly obedient, doing everything God said to do. Then they come to the Sea. An Army seeking to kill them all behind them, and the Sea in front of them. Surely certain death. They complained to Moses saying...

"Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."{Exodus14:11-12}

It was over. They were done. There was no hope. It was impossible.

"With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." {Matthew 19:26 }

It wasn't Moses that did any of it. Moses was just being obedient. That's it. It was God. It was all God. God parted the Sea, and caused them to walk on dry ground. It was God that closed the Sea, destroying the Army seeking to slaughter the Jews. God said to Moses. God made it so.

Water to Wine at a Wedding. Two Fish and five loaves of Bread feed Five Thousand. Money from the mouth of a Fish to pay Tribute Money at a Temple. Peter walking on Water with Jesus. God says, He makes it so.

When you are walking with God, He may tell you to do something. Just do it. It doesn't matter if it seems impossible to you. It does matter if you can not figure it out. It does not matter if you feel unworthy. Just do it. Rest on this, if God says, HE will make it so..

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}

Preferring the Pigs and Lunatics

Pastor Max Lucado

"They came to Jesus and saw the man who used to have the many evil spirits, sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. And they were frightened. The people who saw this told the others what had happened to the man who had the demons living in him, and they told about the pigs. Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their area." (Mark 5:15-17)

They did what? The people began to beg Jesus to leave the area.

You mean the people asked Jesus to leave? That's right. Rather than thank him, they dismissed him? You got it. What would cause people to do such a thing?

Good question. What would cause people to prefer pigs and lunatics over the presence of God?

Or better ...

What would cause an alcoholic to prefer drunken misery over sobriety?
What would cause a church to prefer slumber over revival?
What would cause a nation to prefer slavery over freedom?
What would cause people to prefer yesterday’s traditions over today’s living God?

The answer? Fear of change. Change is hard work. It’s easier to follow the same old path than to move out into uncharted territory.

So the people dismissed Jesus. And since Jesus never goes where he isn't invited, he steps back into the boat.

Now watch what happens next.

"As Jesus was getting back into the boat, the man who was freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus would not let him." (Mark 5:18)

Strange way to treat a new believer, don't you think? Why wouldn't Jesus take him along? Simple. He had greater plans for him. "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you" (v. 19).

There it is. The commissioning of the first missionary. One minute insane, the next in Christ. No training. No teaching. All he knew was that Jesus could scare the hell out of hell and apparently that was enough.

But even more surprising than the man who was sent is the fact that anyone was sent. I wouldn't have sent a missionary to some people who had just given me the boot, would you? A plague perhaps, but not a missionary. But Christ did.

And Christ does. He still sends the message to the unworthy. And he still uses the unworthy as messengers.

After all, look who’s reading this book.

And look who wrote it.

Psalms 37 Part Two

Study of Psalms 37 continued...

Welcome back. Last time we started an in-depth Study into this amazing Psalm.We ended last time on Verse 20. In just those 20 Verses, we learned about being a Child of God, means fearing no man. We learned about Gods desire that we should not Covet. That we need not worry about evil people, and what the end result of the pursuit of Riches is. We learned that we need to trust in the Lord, His Word, and His Way.

So let's pick up where we left off....

Psalms 37

21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

What does this have to do with me? You may be asking this. Well, Jesus told us this..

"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."{Luke 6:35}

Why? Because you are a Child of God. He said so. Just like when our Parents tell us something we may not understand at the time, God says to us, "Because I said so." Jesus was talking about how we should be as Children of God. Turning the Other Cheek, Loving our Enemies. Showing Mercy to them. Forgiveness. Judge not. Then He told us this...

"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."{Luke 6:38}

Jesus is telling us that we need to be different than those that are not Children of God. We ARE different. Jesus tells us we need to BE different. Continuing in Psalms

22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.

Pretty simple to understand. Is it not. You accept His Gift of Adoption and live. Do not, and, well, do not. It really is not a complicated concept. Be Blessed of God, or be cut off. Without the Key, you can in no way enter into Heaven. Without following God's plan you can not receive God's Reward.

Let's continue to the end of Psalms 37, because there is one overriding theme here.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.

28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.

36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

So what is David telling us? He is telling us that as long as we are under the auspices of God, we are Blessed, Protected, Loved, and we will receive the ultimate reward. We will be Blessed if we are a Blessing. We will receive, if we give. We will live forever with God, while those that do evil, will be cut off.

He is telling us that we need not to Envy or Covet what they are, and what they have. As Jesus told us of the Rich Man in Hell {Luke 16:19-31} the Rich man who built bigger Barns {Luke 12:16-21}. David also told us this in Psalm 39.

"Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them."{Psalm 39:6}

We also need not fear the evil ones. Why? Because that worst that they could possibly do to you, is end your time here on Earth. I know, that sounds pretty bad. But really think about it. That's all they can do. Once they do that, you will stand before God and He will say to you,,,

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."{Matthew 25:23}

Jesus told the Thief that was Crucified with Him,,

"To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."{Luke 23:43}

Wait, what? This guy is a Thief. A Bad Guy. One who was found guilty and was being put to death. Why would Jesus say that to him? Because he recognized who Jesus was, and repented his Sins to Him, Perhaps the very first person saved through the Sacrifice of Jesus's Blood. Think about that. The first one Saved through the Death of Jesus, was a Sinner worthy of death.

When your Life is ended on this Earth, YOU will stand before God. But so will they. Only they will hear a totally different statement. They will be cast out. It will not be a good day. Oh they may have a big house. They may have many cars. They may have a pocket full of money. But YOU are a Prince or Princess of Heaven. You are a Child of God. An Heir according to the Promise. What do they have that is even worthy to be compared. Our life here is but a Vapor. Here today, gone tomorrow. But you will live on forevermore.

We must seek God's Wisdom. Not the Wisdom of the World. For..

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." {Psalm 111:10}

For the Wisdom of this World?

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."{1 Corinthians 3:19}

Jesus warns us that once you come out from them, you must be careful. You are not immune to falling away. Jesus said this..

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."{Matthew 12}

You become the company you keep. If they Drink and Party, chances are, so will you. If they Lie, Cheat, and Steal, chances are, so will you. If they Pray, Praise God, and do His Will, chances are, so will you. Who do you want to hang out with? Those that can take you down a path of Destruction? Or those that can help you, build you up, and love you for being you. Do you want to be with those that will use you and abuse you? Or do you wish to be with FAMILY. Family of God.

When you read Psalms 37, or any of God's Word, do not just scan over it. Eat it. Digest it. Fully understand what it is you are reading. Pray about it. Learn it. Love it. It IS the Wisdom of God. It IS the Word of God. It IS absolute. It WILL change your life.

"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure."{Isaiah 33:6}

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}

Psalms 37

An in-depth study of Psalm 37.

Psalms 37 is so filled with Truth, and Spiritual Teachings, that if you just read through it fast, you may not catch all of them. As a matter of fact, Jesus himself taught on some of them. So the next couple times we get together, we will simply be discussing this amazing Psalm.

Let's start at the beginning.

Psalms 37

1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers,

Fear not...

"Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."{Matthew 10:26-28}

Also....

"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."{Luke 12:4-5}

Truth is, God tells us we should have no fear at all, merely trust in Him. Allow Him to be our Father and BE His Child. There is nothing to fear in this world, when you finally come to realize and fully understand...

"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."{1 John 4:4}

neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

This is a Spiritual Law. As a matter of fact, it is the Tenth Commandment.

" Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."{Exodus 20:17}

Why? Because if you do not Greedily Desire, AKA Covet, anything, especially from those you love, you won't commit Adultery, Steal from, and of course, Murder them. If you become envious of someone who appears to be better off than you, especially if you KNOW that they are not Children of God, then you will be lead down that same path. If they Lied, Cheated, Stole, and perhaps even Murdered, to get where they are, and you Covet what they have and how they live, you will Lie, Cheat, and Steel, to achieve the same.

But theirs is temporal, while you are eternal. When telling us the story of the Rich man and Lazarth, Jesus said this..

"And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented."{Luke 16:22-25}

We are told consistently throughout the Word, that we should store up our treasures in Heaven, and we should seek first the Kingdom of God, trusting in Him to meet our daily needs. Although it seems unfair that they have so much and you have nothing, know this, in reality, it is them that have nothing. You? You have EVERYTHING. You are a Child 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. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."{Romans 8: 17-18}

You have heard it said, life is as a Vapor. A blink of an eye. Think about it. The Earth has been here for millions of years. No one really knows how long. The Universe as well. We are told that a Thousand Years is as one day with God. So? In one of God's days, you could live about 11 lifetimes. Perhaps more. Would you rather receive Blessings in this Lifetime, or the next which lasts Forevermore. They will be passing on. What do they have to look forward to?

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

You do not have to worry. You do not have to fear. Simply recognize who you are, a Child of God, and Trust in Him. Let them worry about their daily needs, and let them worry about more and more wealth, you just simply Trust in your Daddy.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"{Matthew 7:7}

It really is a simple concept. It is a Promise from your Father. Accept it. Receive it. Live it. Back to Psalms

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Let me ask you an honest question. What in the World, no, what in the entire Universe, could you possibly, EVER, do, to anyone, that is even worthy to compare to what God can and will do to them? Remember, you have the two most powerful, and destructive words in the Universe. You have the ability to say them, meaning it in your heart, and see them receive total and absolute destruction. Those Words? "I forgive."

Yup. "I forgive." "I forgive you." I forgive them Father." "I forgive." Why? Because when you do, and mean it, you do two things.

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." {Matthew 6:14-15}

You open up the Heavens of Forgiveness, for you, and all the Sins and Trespasses, against God Himself, that YOU have committed. Make no mistake, you are guilty. If you forgive. God will forgive you.

Second,,,

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."{Romans 12:19}

Again, what can you possibly do to the person, or group of people, that is even worthy to be compared to what God CAN and WILL do to them, if they fail to repent of their Sins?

9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Remember the Sermon on the Mount?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."{Matthew 5: 3-12}

Again, you are a Child of God. Your Father, The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the end, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, GOD, will be with you.

12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Jesus told Peter, when Peter drew his Sword to protect Jesus,,

"Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."{Matthew 26:52}

Another way of saying it is, Do on to others, as you would have them do onto you. Yet another way of saying it is...

"If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee."{Proverbs 25:21-22}

This is not saying that they will not try.. However,,

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

As declared in Romans 8

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

This is just up to verse 20. We will continue Psalms 37 next time. You can clearly see, that if you simply scan over, or read it through without thought, the wealth of information you may miss. King David, or the Psalmist that wrote this Psalm, truly understands the Word, and Spiritual Truths, that are as relevant today, as they were then.

See, Spiritual Truths never change. God never changes. His Word never changes. What was Sin then, is still Sin. What was Good then, is still Good. As those that claimed God's Promise then, were Blessed, as you today, will be Blessed, as long as you do the same.

Psalms 37 is also an excellent example, of how, even Children of God, can read His Word, and not fully understand what they are reading. This is why it is so very important that Prayer, and communion with The Holy Spirit, goes side by side with reading God's Word. When you do this, you are Blessed. You can understand what you are reading, although others may not....

"But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."{Matthew 13:16}

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}

Would You Pray This Prayer?

This Prayer takes courage to Pray.

Last time we talked about The Book of You. We talked about the fact that you write a new page everyday. The fact that others will read it. Then, you will stand before God, and He will read it Cover to Cover. We talked about it being too late to edit, omit, or redo, any of it at that time. It simply is, what it is.

We read the Books all the time. We read that Peter was Fishing, Matthew was working, on the day they met Jesus. We read what they did with Jesus. How they reacted after Jesus. But what did Matthew eat for breakfast that fateful morning? Who was the Love of Peter's Life? What did they do when no one was watching? We do not know. You know who does? God. We get the cliff notes. The important parts. God reads the whole book. Cover to Cover.

However, the Good News is, you are still, at this time, writing it. Now is the time to add things to The Book of You, that you WANT God and others to read. Now is the time to make changes and edit. Now is the time for a new Chapter.

So I issued you a challenge. Take a Piece of paper and a pen, and write down the Chapters of your life. Birth. Graduation. Marriage. Divorce. Death of loved one. Birth of Child. So on. Be honest with yourself. Are you sure?

David Prayed a Prayer to God. You can Pray this same Prayer. Just know that when you do, God will hear it. God already knows all. If you ask Him to do this, He will. So? Would you Pray this Prayer?

Psalm 26

1 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:

7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

10 In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.

Would you Pray this Prayer? Think about it. "Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity" Have you? "I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide." Do you? "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart." Are you sure?

You read the Truth. It's right here. {Holding up the Bible} You read God's Will. His Ways. You read what is Sin and what is Good. Now I'm not talking about what THEY say is Sin and Good. No, no, no. I do not CARE what THEY say. I care about what GOD says. I do not care if they say it's 2014, get with the times. No one cares anymore about this or that. It is "Normal." It is "Acceptable." It is just the way things are. Truth is, what was Sin then, IS Sin now, and in a lot of cases, will kill you quicker at that.

"I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers." Do you? A "Dissembler?" Religious Folks. Huh? Yup. That is someone who gives a false or misleading appearance to conceal the Truth or real Nature of. Someone who puts on the appearance of something they are not. Phonies. People that will smile in your face, and stab you in the back. These are those Jesus was talking about when He said...

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."{Matthew 15:8 }

" I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked." Is this true? Or are you Partying with them on Saturday, before coming to Church on Sunday? Do you go have a BBQ with them AFTER Church on Sunday afternoon? Who are Evil Doers and the Wicked?

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."{Proverbs 6:16-19}

Notice the importance, the special attention given to the last.

A Proud Look.

God hates Pride and Arrogance. He hates those whose lifestyles can be Characterized by Haughtiness. Those who think too highly of themselves and who despise others. They are Conceited and boast in their accomplishments, knowledge, or status. They trust in their own understanding. They disregard any attempts of reproof or correction. Most of the time, they ignore God's word. They do not have time for that. They see themselves as gods. Some outright. Others, that they are the most important people in the World.

A Lying Tongue

Pretty self explanatory here. God hates deceit.

Hands that Shed Innocent Blood

Murderers

A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations

The Human Heart is more deceitful than anything else in the world, and is continuously Wicked. It is out of this Wicked Heart that all types of Evil comes into fruition.

Feet that Run Swiftly to Evil

God hates evil as well as those who delight in it and pursue it. God commands us all to hate and abhor evil. He commands us not to have anything to do with those who do. We are to fear of God, in this fear, leads Sinners to hate evil and turn away from it. Those who love and actively follow after evil demonstrate just how wicked, perverse, and depraved they really are. Those who delight in committing all manner of sin, ungodliness, and malice, whether in thought, word, or deed, are not those we should consider friends.

A False Witness

Remember, God hates deceit and those who speak lies. Though this may seem like a repeat of the second thing God Hates, this one is dealing rather with the deliberate altering of Truth with emphasis on hurting the reputation or person of an individual, or distorting the truth of God. It is a violation of the Ninth Commandment. Anyone who lies, slanders, gossips, or swears falsely to the hurt of another person falls into this category.

One Who Spreads Strife

Remember God puts a special importance on this one. God hates those who are contentious and who delight in stirring up trouble and discord. They try to manipulate people to side with them in order to gain an advantage over others whom they hate, regardless if the people they're intent on dividing are the closest of friends. They destroy the peace and unity of Family, Friends, and any Relationship. They, if allowed in, can wreak havoc in a Church. God makes it very clear that those who engage in spreading strife are worthy of death, and that those who participate in such behavior will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Have you removed yourself from, and keep yourself from, people such as these? Are you sure? God doesn't care who they are to you. If they fit in these categories, He wants you to have nothing to do with them. They will corrupt you. They will bring you into Sin. They are Toxic to you. Stay away from them. "I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." Have you?

Until you do these things, I would be extremely cautious, of saying this sort of Prayer. Until you do these things, you cannot claim that "I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord."

Again, NOW is the time. Today is the day. Time to write a new Chapter in the Book of You. 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 Book Of You

People will read it. God will be your number one Critic.

One day, many years ago now, my Niece and I went into this little Nic-Nac Store. There was an Indian Gentleman behind the counter. We looked around and I believe we were buying something. I do not remember what. But we go to the Counter, and the Man said to me. "Your Page is Blank."

Wait. What? "Your Page is Blank. You have a great opportunity to put something on it. One that is positive." Needless to say, he got my attention. We ended up staying there for like an hour, just talking with the Gentleman. We talked about Hinduism, Buddhism, the different gods and what it all means. Much to my Niece's chagrin, he went on and on.

I haven't thought about this encounter for years. He I am, sitting on my back Porch, just finishing a message, when this encounter popped into my head. I prayed why now? God put this message in my Spirit. "It is not about the one Blank Page. It is about the total Book of You."

You see, every day is a new blank page. Every day is a change to write something new. People will read it in the end. At your Passing, they will talk about it. "Do you remember when Peter did this??" "Oh yeah, but my favorite was when Peter did this." "Remember, Peter always use to say this?" "Peter did this, every day." They will determine in their minds, if it was a good book, or a bad one. "Peter was not a nice guy. Glad he is dead. Couldn't have happened to a better person."

When we look into History, we read many Books. Books of Presidents, Saints, Sinners. Those that became Famous, for what they did while they were alive. But you have a Book as well, and yes, they will read it. However, they are not, your number one Critic. There is another. His name is God.

On that Fateful day, God will open my book. He will read it from Cover to Cover. "On this day, August 17, 1969, Peter was Born. On this day, he met his best friend. On this day, his Grandmother Passed on. On this day, Peter and his Mother was left on their own. He, God, will read every page, and every Chapter. Birth, Passing of Grandma. Marriage. Salvation, Divorce, Peter becomes a Wayward Son. Peter returns, Marriage, Children. Works, Passing. God will close The Book of Peter, {Not the Biblical one} and open another. This one is the Lambs Book of Life. This one is like the NYT Best Sellers List. This one is the one that determines what God says to me. Is my name written in THAT Book?

The Word declares..

"For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways."{ Job 34:11}

And also..

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."{Matthew 16:27}

Paul issued a Warning to all of us..

"You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."{Ecclesiastes 11:9}

God will read everything. Everything is written in the Book of You. EVERYTHING.

"For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."{Ecclesiastes 12:14}

Then, when God is finished reading the Book of Peter, {Not the Biblical one}, He will set it aside. Then He will open another book. The LBOL. He will look for my name..

"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."{Revelation 20:11-15}

After He reads the Book of Peter, {Not the Biblical one}, after He checks to see if my name is in the Lamb's Book of Life, He will say one of two things to me.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."{Matthew 25:23}

Or? If my name is not written in the LBOL?

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."{Matthew 7:23}

He will then take my Book, and toss it in the Trash, and I will be forced to depart from Him forevermore. That is it. There is no going back. There is no editing. Once that Cover is closed, once that book is Bound, once it is finished, it is what it is. There are no take backs, or redos. It is over.

But I have good news. You are still writing it. You can add a whole new Chapter. Try this. Seriously, it could be fun, and perhaps a little scary, but try this. Be honest. Take a piece of paper, a pen, and seriously think about it. Write down the Chapters of your Life until today. Birth, Graduation, Drop out? Drugs, no Drugs? Best Friend? Marriage, Birth of Children. Death of Loved ones, Salvation?? Be honest with yourself. There are a few Chapters in my book I really do not like. But I cannot go back and edit them out. They are there. But I can start a NEW Chapter. I can write a new Page while it is still today. So can you.

God will read everything. The good, bad, and yes, even the ugly. What are you writing on your blank page today? The best writers love to evoke emotions in their Readers. When God reads your Book, will He laugh? Will He cry? Will He be shocked? Will He love it? Will He hate it? What are you writing on your blank page today? Are you sure you want to?

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}

What Can The Church, God, Do For Me? Church Folks

Church Folks.

Then sometimes that question comes from someone in the Church itself. Someone that feels entitled. "I am a Child of God. I need not go through Trials and Tribulations. I am far better than those Sinners over there. Why is God not Blessing me? Is this all just a waste of time?"

"What can the Church, God, do for the Saved? Do for the Child of God? Why is it that they are being good little Christians, and yet, it seems that God is not Blessing them. They feel little different. However, they expect to be Blessed. They expect to be taken care of in the Church. The question is,or should be "What have you done for God lately?"

You see, He already did it. He came and died for you. He never said, "As long as you do this, or that, or don't do this or that. He came and died for you, WHILE, you were in the middle of your Sin.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."{Romans 5:8}

It was not then, nor is it now, exclusive. The Family of God is NOT a Club. It is not a set of rules and regulations. It is not a Religion over any other Religion. It IS a one on one relationship with God Himself. It is an Adoption, where by you may cry Abba Father. God doesn't care if you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Black, White, Rich, Poor, Male, Female, or anything else. All you have to do, is accept The Gift. Jesus IS the only way. Besides Jesus, nothing else matters.

Now having said that, we have to look to the Word to find out why, if you have done that, then why is it that it may seem God is not Blessing you? You already know that....

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."{Ephesians 2:8-9}

"So see? I do not have to do anything right? I accepted Jesus, now I get Blessed right?" Well, you were Blessed. You now have everlasting Life with God. "No, no, no. I mean, I should be Blessed Financially. I should be Blessed with Peace. I should be Blessed with Healing. I should be Blessed every day."

Well???

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 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?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 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. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"{James 2:14-20}

"See. There you go again. There is another one of those Contradictions that fill the Bible. Saved by Faith alone, and Faith without Works is dead. You can't have it both ways." First, there is not one Contradiction in the Bible. No. Not one. There are misinterpretations. There are differences in focus on the same subject by different Witnesses. There are intentional twisting to fit agendas or ideas. There are simple misunderstands. But not one Contradiction.

There is nothing you can do, to Work your way to Heaven. Not even in the Name of Jesus. Remember the Scariest Words in the entire Bible? At least to me. When Jesus said this?

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."{Matthew 7:21-23}

These are those that are fulfilling their "Religious Obligations." Those that Jesus was talking about when He said this...

"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."{Mark 7:6}

You have to first know Jesus. Accept Jesus. Be Adopted into the Family. Without that.. "your religion is worthless" {James 1:26} You must be Saved by Faith that Jesus came and died for you. After that however?

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."{1 John 2:4}

Remember Jesus's Command to His Disciples after His Resurrection?

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."{Matthew 28:19-20}

I have three Children. As long as they are under my Roof, I am there. I am there to Love them. Protect them. Bless them. I am always with them. As long as I tell my Children to do this or that, I will be there to assist them. If however, they decide to leave. If they decide to go their own way, and do their own thing, I can no longer help them. They are on their own.

When you are a Child of God, and you are doing your Father's Will, He will be there always. He will Love you, Protect you. He will Bless you. He will Pave the Way for you. However, if you decide to go your own way, and do your own thing, then He can no longer help you. You are on your own.

Does this mean that God no longer Loves you. No. Of course not. He loves you. He is waiting for you to come home. He is waiting for you to be obedient. If I tell my Boy Joshua, "Go here and do this, and I will reward you in this manor." And my Boy Joshua says, "You know what Daddy, I really don't want to go there and do that. But give be my reward anyway." The answer will be "No."

God is the same way. Remember Jesus told us this...

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."{Matthew 6:33 }

When you are under God's Roof, so to speak, He is there for you, always. Then you should say things like this..

James 4:

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Want Financial Blessings? Are you Tithing? Want Emotional Blessings? Are you being a Comfort to someone else? Want Healing? Are you Praying for Healing for someone else? Want Blessings in your Life? Are you being a Blessing to others? Or is it as simple as you being a Wayward Child. A Child saying to their Father, "You know what Daddy, I really don't want to go there and do that. But give be my reward anyway." The answer will be "No."

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}

What Can The Church, God, Do For Me? The Hurting

The Hurting.

Sometimes that question, or variation of, comes from someone hurting. Perhaps they heard that God Loves them. Perhaps they even heard that famous Passage...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {John 3:16}

However, they lack the understanding of what that actually means. They Prayed for God to help them out of their situation, but have not seen the results they wanted to receive. Or even worse yet, they lost a Loved One and they blame God for that.

Life on Earth is like everything else on Earth. Life on Earth is temporal. It is for but a time Then it is on to the next stage of existence. Death is as natural as birth. It is as natural as living itself. It will come for all living things.

I understand that many fear death. It is natural to fear the unknown. But it doesn't have to be the unknown. As a Child of God, you know what to expect. You should understand, that when that time comes for you, it is not a punishment. It is not a horrific event. It comes because it must.

In.....

Ecclesiastes 3:

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

In other words, Death will come. Bad times will come. Trials and Tribulations will come. There is an appointed time. We all must face these, including our mortality, in this temporal world. I truly believe that we fear these things out of a lack of understanding of Truth. Fear of what comes next. Jesus tells us what comes next...

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." {John 14:1-4}

In Revelations, it tells us what the capital, if you will, of the new Earth looks like. In....

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." {Revelation 21:1-27}

Now this is after the Tribulation. The end time. But I want you to think about this.

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

And

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Imagine that. It is a far better place to that of which we go, than this of which we live. A place where God Himself will wipe away our tears. A place where there will be no more sorrow, pain, sickness, death itself.

This is the whole reason that Jesus came here. To ensure that you, if you accept Him, will be able to live on with Him, after the Physical Death. The Death of the Flesh. Remember, Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust.

"A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;" { Ecclesiastes 3: 2}

Death is as natural as Birth. It will happen to all. God did not take your Loved one from you. It was simply their time to go. Why? Why so young, sudden, or in such a Horrific way? I do not know. We may never know while we are here. But it was their time. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. If they were a Child of God, it is a FAR better place to that of which they have gone, than this of which they have left behind.

Now Death is the ultimate fear. The ultimate sorrow. However, most that are hurting, haven't reached that point. Most are hurting because of failed Relationships, or not having enough money to pay bills and eat, or things to this effect. They think these things are unfair and want to get even.

First, not everyone is a good person to have in our lives. Be very careful who you CHOSE to bring into your Inner Circle. If you find someone in your Inner Circle that turns out to be toxic to you, let them go. Have nothing to do with them. Do not keep taking them back, or continue in your abusive relationship.

Then if you are hurting, as many are, because of Fiances, you have to ask yourself some honest questions. The first one is this. Are you Tithing? "What? Wait. Are you seriously asking me if I am giving Ten Percent of my money to some Swindler with a Mic in one hand, Bible in the other? You know, the guy with the gold watch. I can't pay my electric bill, and this guy wants me to give him money?"

"Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 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. 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."{Malachi 3:9-11}

Truth is, that 90 percent, will go a lot further than that 100 percent. I know, it makes no sense. But the Truth is, it will. Not only will it go farther, you will receive MORE.

"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."{Luke 6:38}

"But it's not fair that that man over there has Billions, and I can't Pay my electric bill." Are you a Child of God? If you are, you are FAR Richer than he. Besides that, what have you done to attempt to increase your fiances? Did you look for a new Job? Have you gone to get more Education? Have you done anything but wine and complain about fairness?

Hurting is a choice we make. Continuing in our Hurt, is a choice we make. If you change your way of thinking, and rely on your Father, God, for your needs to be met, and you follow HIS Plan and Purpose for you and your life, you will no longer be hurting. Or you can keep digging the Ditch and wallow in sorrow. The choice is yours..

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}

What Can The Church, God, Do For Me?

What He did for You?

I have heard this question, in various ways, by various people, over the years. "What can the Church do for me? Seriously. What can God do for me?" Sometimes, this question come from those that have money. Those that have a great Job. Those that seem to have figured out the "Game of Life."

Sometimes that question, or variation of, comes from someone hurting. Perhaps they heard that God Loves them. Perhaps they even heard that famous Passage...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {John 3:16}

However, they lack the understanding of what that actually means. They Prayed for God to help them out of their situation, but have not seen the results they wanted to receive. Or even worse yet, they lost a Loved One and they blame God for that.

Then sometimes that question comes from someone in the Church itself. Someone that feels entitled. "I am a Child of God. I need not go through Trials and Tribulations. I am far better than those Sinners over there. Why is God not Blessing me? Is this all just a waste of time?"

Let's look at this question a little more in depth. Is it actually the question you should be asking? As a Child of God, that may get asked this question, is it this question that you should be answering?

"I have money. I have a big House. I have a Great Job. I have a nice Family. What can the Church do for me? What can I possibly gain from going to Church?"

"The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 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. 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.

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? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."{Luke:12:16-21}

Do you not know?

"For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."{James 4:14}

You are not here long, but you will live on. So?

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" {Mark 8:36}

What you have here and now, can be gone tomorrow. Look at Lot. A Rich Man, who had everything he could have ever wanted. He lost everything. Look at people of today. Millionaires today, jumping out of windows tomorrow. All that you have, is just stuff. It will pass away. Not to mention, that old faithful saying? You can't take it with ya. Remember what Jesus told us of the Rich man in Hell?

"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." {Luke 16:25}

Actually, let's look at this more closely..

Luke 16:

19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Jesus told us that we must make a choice. He said..

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." {Matthew 6:24}

Paul wrote to Timothy, another famous saying..

"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." {1 Timothy 6:10}

What does this mean? Simply put, if Money is all you love, and all you strive to achieve, you will fall into all kinds of Sin. People will Lie, Cheat, Steal, and even Murder, to obtain, or keep, Money. Not to mention...

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." {Luke 12:34}

Can that New Shinny Red Sports Car Save you? Can your Bank Account Save you? Can you hide from death in that big House? When the time comes, will your Banker, or any of your Rich friends, actually lay down their lives for you? The Answer is No. But one did. His name is Jesus.

You know the story. You most likely saw it as a child. Now catch it every now and then. That Famous Cartoon called Charlie Brown? Comes on just before Christmas..

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." {Luke 2:4-14}

Isn't that a sweet Story? Seriously. Just like John 3:16. That God loved us so He gave us the ultimate gift. We sing , or at least hear all the sweet songs. Silent Night. Oh little Town of Bethlehem. Jingle Bells, Santa is Coming to Town.. oh, wait. Well, you get the point. But what does it all mean?

It means this. He, God, The Alpha and Omega, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, including you, Created US. We gave our Authority over to the Evil One. So He wiped out Creation save one Faithful man, and his Family. We continued to Sin in the Flesh. So He gave us the Law. We ignored it. So He sent us Prophets and Teachers. We mocked, ignored, and even killed some of them. We contniue to live for, in, and all about, the Flesh.

Having no other option left. God stood up. He laid down His Godhood. He set aside His Power and Authority, and came to Earth as a Little Helpless Child Himself. I have three kids. Those of you who are Parents, or anyone that has held a Child, knows that they are completely innocent, and completely helpless.

Jesus grew up with the same Growing Pains, Temptations, Trials, and Sin surrounding Him as we do. But out of His abundant knowledge of Reality and Truth, He was able to overcome all Sin. But here is the thing that makes what Jesus did for us so completely indescribable. Here is something that is not taught often. It may even be a Revelation to you. He came, lived as us, and allowed us, His creation, to abuse, torture, and kill Him. For OUR own sake. We did not kill Him, He laid down His life for us..

Matthew 26:

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

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

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

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

He made it simple for all to receive this Gift. Just accept what Jesus did for you, and you will be Saved. It is that simple. It does not matter who you are. It does not matter how Rich, Poor, Black, White, Male, Female, Christian, Jew, Muslim, or anything else. All you have to do is accept God's Gift. It is NOT exclusive. It IS all INCLUSIVE. Accept the Key, walk through the door. There is no other way.

You cannot buy your way into happiness. You cannot buy your way into God's Grace. You cannot buy your way into Heaven. This is why Jesus tells us to..

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." {Matthew 6: 19-21}

The question is not, "What can do for me?" He already did it. The question is, "Will you accept what He already did? Will you accept Him?" Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

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

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

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

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}