Proverbs 26

1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Walking in Flesh

Obligation vs True Passion Part Two.

So why is it so very easy, even for me, to return to the thinking we had before we were Saved? It may happen so subtly you do not even realize it. So gradually, you don't see it. Things that you use to be on fire for, excited about, things you knew were the things to do, become chores and obligations.

Can't we just skip Church this week? I'll read the Word later. Don't have time right now. OK, maybe I'll just drop a twenty in the bucket this week. You know, we have that unexpected expense pop up. Wait...Talk to WHO?? Talk to THEM about Salvation and the Gospel?? I'm sure someone else is far better qualified than I to talk to THEM.

So what happened? Why the change? One possible and most likely reason, is the answer to this one question. Are you walking in the Spirit or the Flesh? No.. I'm NOT talking about Sunday morning. I'm not talking about your Bible Study group on Wednesday Nights. I'm not talking about when your Righteous and Zealot Church friend stops by to "Pray for little Suzy because she heard from Samantha, who heard from Jenny, that Suzy may be sleeping with the Postman." No. No. No. I'm talking about daily.. When no one is around. When the lights go out, the crowd goes home. How are you walking?

You see, it's so easy to fall back to what we know. What we have always known. The desires of the flesh. Problem is, you cannot do both. You cannot serve the flesh, and God, at the same time. The Word declares..

{Galatians 5:16-17}

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Paul, writing to the Church in Rome, made it crystal clear when he wrote this..

{Romans 8:1-2}

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

He goes on to explain...

{Romans 8:5-8}

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."

"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God" Why? "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." They are not only total opposites, they are totally opposed to each other.

Think about this, why has Saturday become Sinday? No seriously.. Why does it seem that we live for Saturday. We use Saturday as the day to plan Parties, go and do things that feed our flesh. One, most people are off on Saturday. Two, most pick Saturday so you can have Sunday as a day to recover from the partying on Saturday, before Monday comes and you go back to work. But is there a deeper, maybe even subconscious, reason?

What is Saturday? What does Saturday even mean? Saturday, is now, and has always been the Sabbath Day. It is the seventh day of the week, known as Shabbat or Sabbath, which stretches from Sundown Friday to Sundown Saturday and is the day of rest. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches distinguish between Saturday the Sabbath Day and what they call the Lord's Day which is Sunday.

Even though Jesus was Crucified on Friday, He did not Raise from the tomb until Sunday. Some say this is because He rested on the Sabbath from all the work He did here on Earth and raised to continue His work on Sunday, or the first day of the Week.

The Word declares in Genesis that after God created all things, He rested on the Seventh Day and made it Holy. In His Ten Commandments, God again made it clear that Saturday was a Holy Day, and that He gave it to man for a day of Rest..

{Exodus 20:8-11}

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

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

It is the Forth Commandment.I think God is pretty serious about it. Yet, since we are of the flesh, we do the opposite. Instead of keeping it Holy, we turn it into a day of flesh. A day of Sin. Instead of resting, and filling our Spirit, we spend the day, feeding our flesh.

So how do we avoid this? How do we get our fire back? How do we stop seeing Spiritual things as obligations instead of opportunities? How do we get true passion for God? It is really not that difficult. We have to simply remember..

{Colossians 3:2}

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

You have to get your mind in the right place. Forget what the World tells you is right and wrong, grey, or acceptable. Start learning, or relearning, what God says. The World is a world of flesh, and the things therein are for the flesh. It is opposed to God or anything Spiritual. So?

{Romans 12:2}

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

You must learn how to " walk by faith, not by sight." {2 Corinthians 5:7} To listen to God, To trust in God. To understand His Word. If you claim that you are a follower of Jesus, then should you not be following Jesus? John puts it this way..

{1 John 2:3-6}

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

We will talk more about this next time. But think about this. The God of the Universe. The Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, chose YOU. He brought YOU out of your Sin and death, and brought you to Jesus. Who, while you were in the middle of your Sin, lay down His life for YOU. You should be excited about this. You should have true Passion about this.

It is NOT an obligation to follow Jesus. It is not an obligation to follow God. It is not an obligation to go to Church, read His Word. It is an opportunity. An opportunity to be blessed in supernatural ways. An opportunity to live in Love, Hope, and Peace. It is an opportunity to share this good news, with others. Especially those you love.

The only way you can truly walk in the Spirit, is to have the Spirit in you. The only way you can have the Spirit in you, is to accept Jesus as Lord. To ask Him into 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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Proverbs 25

1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Obligation?

Obligation or True Passion

I want to be honest with you today. I want to share a story that happened just recently. I did not think about it. I did not dwell on it. It was not until the Spirit showed it to me, that I even saw it at all.

My Son Elijah came down with a cold or flu like symptoms. Coughing, runny nose, etc. Sunday morning came and I looked at my Wife and said, you know, why do you not just stay home with the kids, I have to go, but why do you not just stay home, relax, and take care of Eli and Maya. So what happened? She became offended. Now here I am, thinking I'm being nice, and telling her she should just skip Church this week for the kid's sake, and to not infect anyone at Church, and she became offended..

"I can just go into the Nursery. I can watch the service from the TV that is in there." Well, if you really want to I guess that would be fine. I asked her if she was sure. She decided to just stay home. I guess that all my trying to be nice, gave her the feeling that I did not want her there. This was not the case at all. However, this is how she seemed to take it.

So there I am at Church, I go outside after my duties, and I get this in my Spirit. "You know why she became offended?" "Uh, nope. Doesn't make any sense to me. So why?"

"Because she does not see going to Church as an obligation."

Wait. Do I? Think about that statement.  "Because she does not see going to Church as an obligation." I sad, "I have to be there." Do I see going to Church as an obligation? Do you? Do you see reading the Bible, as an obligation? Do you see Tithing and Giving, merely as an obligation? You see, it was not her feelings that were out of place, it was mine. I was the one looking at being in a place, where I can fellowship with my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Hear a Word from God, seeing the lost Saved. See the Hand of God move in amazing ways, as an OBLIGATION.

As long as you do, you can NEVER get the most out of anything. Seriously. As long as you see going to Church, Tithing and Giving, Reading the Word, doing God's Will, as a mere obligation, you cannot ever be Blessed in the way God wants to Bless you. You will miss a great deal.

{1 John 3:1}

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Have I forgotten this? I am a Son of the Living God???? I am a Prince of Heaven. I am a coheir with Jesus Himself? God is my Daddy? Have I forgotten who I am NOW? I'm not of the Flesh. I'm not of the Devil. I died with Christ and have been resurrected with Him. I am not someone who is at the whim of Man. I am protected by, provided by, loved by, the God of all of Creation. Yet I see going to Church as an Obligation?? When did this happen?

Have I allowed my freedom to corrupt me? As we were warned about in..

{Galatians 5:13}

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."

You see, going to Church, Reading the Word, Tithing and Giving, are not obligations. They are opportunities.

By going to Church and reading His Word, we learn about the Spirit. We learn about Him. We learn about His ways. We can learn from one another, lean on one another, comfort and celebrate with one another. If you go to Church or read The Word, only because you see it as an obligation, you will get little out of it. You are OF GOD. You are not there, or reading, some boring Sermon. You should be there being FILLED with the Spirit, and Truth. Equipping yourself for the things you will face.

{1 John 4:6-8}

"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. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

When you give your Tithes and Offerings, keep this in mind..

{2 Corinthians 9:7}

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

God Himself told us this..

{Malachi 3:10}

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

By Tithing and Giving, you are giving God the opportunity to Bless you. To touch your Fiances, and "pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." If you do so, out of obligation, chances are, you will give your Tithe only. That was, is, and always will be, ten percent by the way. You will give $10.00 for every Hundred you make. So let's say your Tithe is $150.00. You give $150.00. You met your obligation. Now do not get me wrong, God will bless your finances and that ninety percent will go farther than the hundred percent ever will. However, let's say you give $200.00 That extra $50.00 is an offering. A gift. That is an opportunity for God to "pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Why? Because that ten percent is your obligation. But the extra came from your heart.

You see, we need to believe Jesus. I mean REALLY believe Jesus. He told us not to worry about anything. Our needs will be met. He told us this..

{Matthew 6:33}

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The only way you can feed your Spirit, and grow in Faith, is by reading God's Word, going to Church, and Praying to our Father. It is only through Faith that we can ever hope to please Him. The Word tells us...

{Hebrews 11:6}

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

If you are walking in the flesh, you are not walking in the Spirit. Your flesh will rebel against the Spirit, and anything Holy. You will see anything Spiritual, reading, going to Church, Praying, paying Tithes and giving Offerings, as obligations. Things you are told you have to do. How do you over come this? You must learn to walk in the Spirit. You must learn to see Spiritual Things as opportunities and not obligations. You must have true passion to "seek first the Kingdom of God." It takes true passions to put yourself in a place of opportunity to receive all that God has for you.

Ever wonder why Saturday seems to have been turned into Sinday? Ever wonder what prevents you from receiving all God has for you? Ever wonder why your Faith never seems to grow? The answer is a simple one. You are walking more in the Flesh, than you ever, walk in the Spirit. We will discuss this next time.

Stop seeing going to Church as an obligation. Stop seeing paying your Tithes and giving Offerings as obligations. Stop seeing reading God's Word, and even Praying to God, as obligations. Start seeing Spiritual things as opportunities. Grow in Faith, spend time with God. Before you know it, you can have true passion, and with passion, you will always keep yourself in a place of opportunity.

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Proverbs 24

1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:

20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Just Gotta

I really just gotta do that.

I just gotta get this done.
I just gotta work harder.
I just gotta say "I love you" more often.
I just gotta spend more time with my Family.
I just gotta get to know.
I just gotta read the Bible.
I just gotta Pray more.

"Just gotta." We say it all the time. But what are we really saying? More importantly, what are we really doing? There is a big problem with "Just gotta." It almost never translates to actual action. Think about this. You can substitute "try" here. I will try to get this done. I will try to work harder. I will try to spend more time with the Family. I will try to read the Bible. I will try to Pray more.

One of my favorite lines in a movie is from Yoda in Star Wars. "No. Do, or do not. There is no try." Yeah I know, this is from a little green puppet, but it is true. There is no try. There is no "just gotta." Either you do, or you do not. Just saying, I just gotta, isn't going to get it done.

There are five primary reasons procrastination takes place.

1 You haven't really committed to doing it.
2 Fear you cannot handle the it.
3 You don't place a high enough priority on the it.
4 You don't know how to.
5 You just simply don't wanna!

Here is one big problem with "Just gotta." You are counting on the fact, there is always tomorrow. Problem with that, tomorrow is never guaranteed.. As Buddha tells us. "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

{Proverbs 27:1}

"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

Jesus Himself warned us of this as well..

{Matthew 6:34}

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

James also shared this truth when he wrote this..

{James 4:13-17}

"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: 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.

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

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

The main point that we need to understand from all this, is, there is only one now. Now is now. This very moment in time. This second. There will never be another like it. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

We instinctively know this Truth to a certain degree. This is why we stress out over those big moments in time. Birthdays, Weddings, ETC. We know we only have one shot to get it right. Once it is gone, it will never be again. You only have one Bar Mitzvah, You only have one "sweet 16." You only have one Prom, Graduation, ETC. You only get Married once. Or at least it should be only once.. There is only one time to get the most out of these one time events. Only once to get them right.

However, life is made up of these never again moments. It is called "Now."

King Solomon, next to Jesus, the wisest man to ever walk the earth, writes this in Ecclesiastes...

{Ecclesiastes 11:4-6}

"He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

Ever try to plant a Garden in the dead of winter? Of course not. Ever try to plant a Garden in the heat of Summer? Nothing will grow. There is a time for all things. God gives us moments in time that are one shot opportunities. If you miss them, they are gone forever. This is why we must slow down. Stop even if we must. Notice everything. Make the most out of every moment in time.

Ever meet someone "randomly." Trust me, it is never random. There is a purpose for it. A reason that you both were wherever you were at the same time. If you ignore it, you both move on with your day and will never know why it happened. If you go with it, you may have found your future Husband or Wife. You may accomplish something that only the two of you could have ever done. There is a plan and purpose for the meeting. Find it.

But it is not only Earth changing, Godly moments. It is Life itself. Are you saying you "just gotta" work harder? How did the Boss become the Boss? It's Biblical. Did you know this?

{Proverbs 12:24}

"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute."

Early bird gets the worm? Partly. But if you work hard, you will become the best at what you do, people will recognize this and reward you with positions of Authority and Power. God will Bless you as well. While those who are lazy and work just for a Paycheck will always be under the rule of others. This is a Biblical principle.

So how? How do you do even better than you think you can?

{Colossians 3:23-24}

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

You never heard Jesus say "I just gotta." He just did. Or the disciples say "We just gotta." They just did it. Stop wasting your life away with 'just gotta." Stop analyzing everything. Stop thinking if you can. Stop worrying. Tell those you love you love them. Often. Show them. For you never know when your last moment here on earth is. You never know if  when you wake up in the morning, you will ever see them again. Realize that Life is more than "What's for dinner?" Life is more than a Job. Life is more than money. Remember always

"For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Share the Truth with others. The most important thing they will ever hear in their life is the Gospel. The most important thing they will ever hear is that life does not end at the death of the body. But Life is eternal. They have a choice of where they go. And this is the most important thing YOU need to stop putting off. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? What happens if your soul is required today? What if the Soul of one of those you love is required today? Are you sure they are ready? Are you? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

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

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

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

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Proverbs 23

1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.

18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Happy Easter

Happy Resurrection Day!

There is a Peter, so the story goes,
But he does not have, a twitchy nose.
He was hot tempered, and quick with the sword,
He healed the sick, and served our Lord,
He witness Jesus die on the cross, for you and me,
The way to be saved he taught, the way to be free,
No painted eggs, nor chocolate bunny did he give,
But healing, peace, and tale of salvation, did he bring,
Yes there is a Peter, in the Easter Holiday,
But a teller of truth, and shower of the way,
This is the Peter, we should tell our kids,
Not the one, where a basket of treats, he brings.

Today is Easter, do your children know the reason we celebrate this? More importantly, do you?

{John 3:16}

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

{John 1:1-4,10-14}

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 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."

So Jesus came into the world and healed the sick, raised the dead, and gave sight to the blind. Then, He fulfilled His main purpose of coming. He was killed for our Sins. He went to the Cross to pay the price for all Sin and shed His blood for us all. He did so for YOU.

If you allow His blood to be your blood, His payment for all Sin to be your payment for your Sin, and His death to be your death, you will have everlasting life of peace and happiness with Him. Easter is the day we have set aside to remember what happened.

{Luke 24}

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him,

Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

This is what Easter is all about. The greatest gift you will ever receive. The gift of forgiveness and Salvation. The gift of eternal life. He did all these things, and suffered all things, so that you can enter into Heaven. So that you will not die, but have everlasting life. He paid the ultimate price so you do not have to. The greatest and final sacrifice, ever.

Happy and Blessed Easter to all of you. Is there anything wrong with painting eggs? No. Not really. Anything wrong with Chocolate Bunnies? No. Not really. But just make sure that if you do these things, you take time out to actually teach your kids the REAL reason for the Holiday. Teach them that this is a Holy Day, and that it AIN'T about the Bunny.

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}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord..

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22 

1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23 For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.