To Be Great

What Are You Striving For?

In today's World, we have Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat, just to name a few. Why are these so popular? Because they tap into one of our most enticing Human Nature Attributes. The desire to be Famous.

Seriously. We post EVERYTHING Online, from our most personal experiences, to what we are eating at any given time. I have never posted a picture of my Dinner. But many do. Why? I have no idea. It is to show others, "Look what I got?" I have no idea. But it is ALL "Look at me."

It has become so bad, that people have to be TOLD, be careful what you post. Do not tell people when you are no going to be home, they may Rob you. Do not post your finical information. Someone may Rob you. Do not post naked pictures of yourself, people will SEE THEM. Do not post things about your kids. Someone may use that to harm them. ETC.

'SO why do we do this? Because we want to be Famous. We want to be known. We want to be honored and respected. Oh I know. I know. Some people just REALLY Love to share. They only accept "friend requests," or "sign up," ACTUAL Friends and Family members to share stuff with them. Please do not misunderstand. I use Facebook all the time. I am NOT attacking Facebook, Twitter, or Snap Chat, or any other Social Media outlets. All I am saying is WHY they are so popular..

Well good thing that "Christians" do not have to worry about that.. Right? Wrong. See, we are talking about something that IS one of our most enticing Human Nature Attributes. The desire to be Famous. To be GREAT.

King Solomon wrote this..

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." {Proverbs 27:2}

We all know people that love to toot their own horns. People that try to top any and everything you say.. Whatever you have done, they have done better. Whatever you have been through, they have been through worse. ETC. It should not be this way with us. We are to BE who we are, and let others talk about how good or bad we are.

Jesus said this...

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." {Matthew 5:19}

Notice something here. First, Jesus says "Those who DO." He tells us those that Break, and those that DO, THEN He says "Those that Teach." What is the point? Jesus is saying, Those that are living for and according to God, or those that are not. Then if they teach others to do it, is bad, but doing it or not is worse. Are you following? Jesus is telling us, if we want to be GREAT in the Kingdom, then we are to LIVE for the Kingdom.

Then you have this example Jesus gave us...

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me." {Matthew 18:1-5}

Why? Well, Children believe ANYTHING their Mother and Father tell them. They simply accept it as Reality. Daddy said so. This is the Relationship that God wants to have with us. Whatsoever He may tell us, He wants us to simply accept without question. Why? Our Daddy tells us so.

However, even if you do not have Children, have you ever watched them in a Play Area? They do not care what the other kids look like. They do not care what the other kids may have or not have. What society may or may not say about them. Nope. They love their new friend. Boy, Girl, Black, White, Pink with Purple Polka Dots, Rich, Poor, NONE OF THAT MATTERS A WINK. They simple do not care. They are them, they accept the other Kids for whatever they are. If they look REALLY different, they may even ask why. But then, you know what, they go on playing without a second thought.

Then Jesus puts it this way when a Proud Mama came to Him asking Him to exhort her Children above all other Children

"Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father."

This did not sit well with the others, as you can imagine. Did the two say "Mom.?.? Go away! You are embarrassing us." Well, it doesn't say they said anything. It actually says "Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons," They were right there WITH their Mother.. Did they put her up to it? Did they seek this themselves? Who knows? But it did not make the others happy..

"And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." {Matthew 20:20-28}

A little bit later, Jesus gives us THIS advice...

"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, the Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, the Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." {Matthew 23:8-12}

So wait.. We are not to be called Teachers, Rabbis, Masters, or whatever. So we are not suppose to teach the Word? God Forbid. Of course we are Sowers of the Seed. But it is NOT about us..

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

John put it this way....

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:16)

You see, as with most things, the Lord’s Philosophy is completely opposite from the World. To be Great in the World is to put importance on Self. In the eyes of the World, you are Great based on the Position or Title you have. You may be a Sports Star, Musician, Actor, Lawyer, Engineer, a Doctor, to name a few, and that, makes you Great according to the World’s Standard.

Because of this World’s Value System, which is controlled by??? Yeah. Pride is a must and Worldly Pride demands that you enter into this System before you can be Accepted, Applauded and Respected. This is Satan’s Spirit that controls this World the lust of the Flesh, lust of the Eyes and Pride of life.

God's Value System is much different. Jesus tells us that we should be so very obsessed with God, His Word, and doing His Will, that we should not even be concerned with where our Food is going to come from..

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

See the answer is simple. If you chose to be Great. Or you are striving to be Great, first, decide by who's Standards are you striving for Greatness. Then simply act on it. THe World Sense, well, you know the Path. However, if you want to be TRULY Great, meaning Great in the Kingdom of God, then you must first become a Servant. As Jesus came and washed our Feet, we must do the same..

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..

True Compassion. Never Justifying Sin

A tool of the Devil?? 

Compassion. We talked about how God and Jesus had Compassion on us. We talked about how we should have Compassion on others. We talked about how Compassion alone is not enough. However, we must be careful. We must NEVER Justify Sin through our Compassion...

Compassion = Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

Sounds good? How can having Compassion be bad?

God so loved the World,,, So on and so forth. So how can I then make the statement, that Compassion is a, and can be made a, tool of the Devil? Because twisted, Compassion IS, a tool of the Devil. False Compassion. Misguided Compassion. Taught feelings of Compassion.

What do I mean? God says, "Thou Shalt Not Murder." WE say, "But wait, what if little Suzy is minding her own business, and some old evil guy rapes her? She should not be punished with a Child for the rest of her life. What if that old evil guy is her own Father? It is Compassionate to say, that we have the ability to 'correct' that mistake and end her Pregnancy. As a matter of fact, for whatever reason, it should be a Woman's Right to chose what to do with her body. Right?"

God says Homosexuality is Sin. WE say "How can a long term, loving, kind, relationship be evil. And while we are at it, why can't these two Marry. Is it not Compassionate to want 'Equality.' After all, People in Black Robes, in the Highest Court of the Land said it is a "Right." Oh, and is it not Compassionate to say, they should not have to hear what they are doing is wrong? So shut up about it already."

Jesus says, there is only ONE way to get to Heaven, and that is??? Through Him. WE say "That is a narrow minded, exclusive, Hate Filled, ignorant view. Compassion tells us that all Religions are equal and that people can believe whatever they want. Your 'Truth' is no better than anyone else's 'Truth'. So keep your 'version' of Truth to yourself."

It is Compassion that says, we cannot call Sin, Sin? Compassion tells us we must live and let live? Compassion tells us we must allow Females to be part of all Male Groups? Compassion tells us that companies must hire Minorities, regardless of education, or experience, to make sure that we have some color in their Leadership? Compassion tells us that not only do we now have to accept Sin, but we must honor, and celebrate, and even protect, Sin? Compassion tells us that if something is offensive to someone, we must change it or ban it?

Look in the news today. Someone becomes offended, and entire History is being erased. Flags banned. TV Shows Banned. Merchandise Banned. Speech silenced. Religion attacked at an ever growing rate. God mocked and Jesus denounced. Children of God attacked Personally, Financially, and yes, even Physically.

While this is all going on, some very good people, {Worldly Sense} are standing, cheering, and applauding, because they have been taught, this "FEELS" right and just. Compassion. If it "FEELS" right and just, then it must be right and just. If it "FEELS" good, then do it. Compassion. And if you disagree, then YOU will be seen as a trouble maker. YOU will be seen as a problem. YOU will have to be dealt with. Why? Because Compassion tells us this..

Here are some Verses that you really need to read for yourself. Abortion? Exodus 20:13, Exodus 21:22-24, Psalm 139. There is no Compromise. There is no Compassion in the Slaughter of the most innocent of all lives. Homosexuality? Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:48-51, {Think America} Romans 1: 18-32. There is no Compromise. The Word is crystal clear that Homosexuality is both an Abomination and Sin to God, and against Nature itself. As a matter of fact, God destroyed entire Cities because of it. It is not Compassion to tell someone, go ahead, you are as equal and right, as everyone else. While you know, they could very well be on their way to Hell.

Jesus IS the only way to Heaven? John 14:6, Matthew 7:21–27, John 6:63, He promised that those who believe in Him will have Eternal Life John 3:14–15. He is the gate of the sheep John 10:7; The Bread of Life John 6:35; and the Resurrection John 11:25. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY.

You MUST Forsake your Sins. The Word tells us..

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." {Isaiah 55:7}

Jesus IS Eternal Life..

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" {Romans 3:22}

It is NOT Compassionate, to NOT tell someone that if they walk through the Fire, they will get burned. It is not Compassionate, to remain silence and watch them burn. It is not Compassionate, to accept the lie, and allow others to accept the lie. It is not Compassionate to sit and remain silent in the face of so many losing their very Right to Live.

You see, there is only ONE Truth. There is only one Way. There is only one way to find Life itself. It is not exclusive. It is INCLUSIVE. It is not narrow minded. It is not Hate Filled. It is not Discriminatory. Chauvinistic, or anything else.

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." {John 11:25-26}

Jesus said "whosoever"

Peter said,,

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." {2 Peter 3:9}

Again? "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." "All should come to repentance" ALL. Salvation is open to everyone. Open to all. However, in order for people to accept the Truth, Accept Jesus. Accept God. They have to first HEAR the Word. Remember,,,

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." {Romans 10:17}

It is not Compassion that that keeps The Word silenced. It is something else entirely. It is evil. It is a twisted sense of Compassion. Not real Compassion. You must be careful that you do not fall into this trap. You must be bold enough to say, NO. It is not Compassionate to sit silence and allow so many to simple walk into the fire. It is not Compassionate to justify Sin. It is not Compassionate to allow Man to rewrite, change, and or twist, The Truth to suit their desires.

The Word tells us that we should Test the Spirits....

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."{1 John 4:1}

There sure is a Spirit of Compassion sweeping through the Land. However, if you test it, you will find it is NOT of God. Compassion can be a good thing. However, Compassion can be, and often is, a Tool of the Devil.

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..

True Compassion. Is Compassion Enough?

You must have Compassion.

Have you ever been told that? You must have Compassion on this or that person or group. That you must have empathy. Walk a mile in their shoes. Understand what it is like to be them. So on. Or, that you must believe in this or that cause, because of Compassion.

Compassion = Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

We just got done talking about the Compassion of God towards us. So we must have Compassion on others. But what does that actually mean? What it most definitely does NOT mean, is good intentions. Or, saying you have Compassion without doing anything about it. What do I mean?

"I have Compassion for the Poor." OK? And? "What do you mean?" SO you have Compassion on the Poor. That's good. But? What do you do about it? "Wait, what do you mean? What are you implying? That I do not care? How dare you. I care. I understand. Something needs to be done to help the Poor in this or that area." Again. What are YOU doing? "Don't turn this around on me. YOU hate the Poor. YOU are Evil. Look at you. Judging me. You arrogant, close minded, Racist. After all, who is the Poor? Yeah, Minorities. You hate them because you hate anyone that does not look like you. At least I care."

This is the World we live in today. So Joe Liberal cares about the Poor. Cool. But when you look at his bank account, and or, the sum of his ACTIONS towards the Poor, we see the Truth. There is NOTHING. Oh, he, sorry, my Six Years of Politics sometimes creeps back, he may propose a Bill increasing the Sales Tax a penny, with the proceeds going to build a Homeless Shelter. Or he may suggest something need to be done to clean up the down town area and set aside somewhere where the Homeless can be safer. Then he can go home feeling good about himself that he is trying to do something for the Poor. He can even BRAG that he is TRYING to do something.. But? What is HE actually doing?

"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." {James 2:14-17}

Makes sense does it not? James goes on to say this..

"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."

Wait. "I will shew thee my faith by my works." Remember what Jesus told us?

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." {Matthew 7:15-20}

Back to James 2

"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? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." {James 2:18-26}

Again, if you have Compassion, or claim you have Compassion, on someone and or something, yet you do NOTHING to help them. NOTHING for them. What good does all the Compassion in the World do? Remember what Jesus also told us He would say to us in the end time?

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." {Matthew 25:31-46}

So right there, we see that even Jesus Himself tells us, that Compassion is not enough. We must actually DO something. Now, do not misunderstand the point here. Yes. It IS by Faith are you Saved. Not of Works. However, once you are Saved, what good is your Faith WITHOUT Works? That is the point. What good does it for a little Girl standing Naked and Hungry at you door, for you to have all the compassion in the World and yet NOT give her some Cloths and Food? It means NOTHING. Your Compassion without Works, means NOTHING. Like that Politician, go ahead and propose a Bill, but meanwhile, why not go down there and feed them while you wait the process that could take years to complete? You get the point.

Have Compassion. But Compassion without Works, is as dead as your own Faith without Works. What good does it actually do?

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..

True Compassion. Compassion Is Love

Compassion is Why Jesus Came To Die

Compassion = Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

God Created all things. God Created us. Gave us all things. We rejected God, and We gave all authority of this World, to the Devil himself. God sought to wipe us out, but had Compassion on us, because of Noah. God saved us out of Compassion.

Following the Flood, God saw that Man's Heart was continually and inherently Evil {Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, 1 Samuel 16:7} So he sent us the Law to help guide us and protect us from ourselves. We rejected that as well. He sent Prophets. We abused them. So finally, because of His extreme Compassion and Love for us, He laid down His Godhood, He became as one of us, He came Himself..In Turn, He made the Way Simple, and open for all..

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

You see, it is NOT an exclusive group. It is not close minded. It is not a hateful message. It is ALL inclusive. It IS open for all. "That whosoever believeth in him." It does not matter who you are. Black. White. Male. Female. Rich. Poor. Born into This or That Religion. It does not matter what you have EVER done in your Life. "Whosoever believeth in him." is Saved.

God is not sitting on His Throne, waiting to throw you into everlasting fire. No. God condemns NO ONE. No. Not for any reason. He is willing and able to forgive us for any Sin. Again, it does not matter who you are. Black. White. Male. Female. Rich. Poor. Born into This or That Religion. It does not matter what you have EVER done in your Life. "Whosoever believeth in him." is Saved.

However? "He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." God is willing and able to forgive us for anything. Yet, we have Free Will. Even though God has this GREAT Compassion for us, we have the Free Will to reject God's Word, His Plan. His Will. His Compassion.

Pretty Simple. All we have to do is Believe. Believe in Jesus, and His Sacrifice. His raising from the Dead. Or we can Choose to reject that, for any reason, and we condemn ourselves.

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins." {John 8:24}

It is all about our Hearts. A Hardened Heart cannot accept Jesus, God, not the things of God. This is why, once you do accept Him, He starts to work on your Heart.

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." {Ezekiel 36:26}

A Heart like Jesus...

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." {Matthew 9:35-38}

Even though the "harvest truly is plenteous," and getting even more plenteous, there are fewer and fewer Workers. Fewer and fewer people with the right Heart, with enough Compassion, to be bold enough to go against the World, to reach out to those who are truly lost and hurting. Our Prayer should be....

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." {Psalm 51:10}

Now Compassion alone is not enough, but more on that next time in Past Two, yet, without Compassion, we can do nothing. We WILL DO nothing. WE will not even care. But with the right Heart, we will, not only have Compassion, TRUE Compassion, but we will act on it. Just like Jesus did...

"And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed." {Mark 1:40-42}

Compassion, TRUE Compassion, not Twisted and False Compassion, more on that in Part Three, is LOVE. We should have Compassion on those lost. For we were once lost as well. On the Hurting. For we were once hurting as well. We should have Compassion to teach them...

"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 do not need to be a Biblical Scholar. You do not need to understand all those "Contradictions." {Hint, there are none.} No. You do not have to know who Booz of Rachab was or that Booz "begat Obed of Ruth." That really matters not to the Salvation of New Believers. All you have to do is have the Compassion to tell them the Truth.. The Simple Truth..

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." {John 14:6}

It does not matter who they are. Black. White. Male. Female. Rich. Poor. Born into This or That Religion. It does not matter what they have EVER done in their Life. "Whosoever believeth in him." is Saved. It really IS that simple. Why? Because God had Compassion on us. Jesus had Compassion on us. All we have to do is accept it..

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..

God Dances Amid the Common

There is one word that describes the night he came – ordinary.

The sky was ordinary. An occasional gust stirred the leaves and chilled the air. The stars were diamonds sparkling on black velvet. Fleets of clouds floated in front of the moon.

It was a beautiful night – a night worth peeking out your bedroom window to admire – but not really an unusual one. Nothing to keep a person awake. An ordinary night with an ordinary sky.

The sheep were ordinary. Some fat. Some scrawny. Some with barrel bellies. Some with twig legs. Common animals. No fleece made of gold. No blue-ribbon winners. They were simply sheep – lumpy, sleeping silhouettes on a hillside.

And the shepherds. Peasants they were. Probably wearing all the clothes they owned. Smelling like sheep and looking just as woolly. They were conscientious, willing to spend the night with their flocks. But you won't find their staffs in a museum or their writings in a library. No one asked their opinion on social justice or the application of the Torah. They were nameless and simple.

An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds. And were it not for a God who loves to hook an "extra" on the front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed. The sheep and shepherds would have been forgotten.

But God dances amid the common. And that night he did a waltz.

The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep; the next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face of an alien.

The night was ordinary no more.

The announcement went first to the shepherds. They didn't ask God if he was sure he knew what he was doing. Had the angel gone to theologians, they would have first consulted their commentaries. Had he gone to the elite, they would have looked around to see if anyone was watching. Had he gone to the successful, they would have first looked to their calendars.

So they went to the shepherds. Men who didn't have a reputation to protect or an ax to grind or a ladder to climb. Men who didn't know enough to tell God that angels don't sing to sheep and that messiahs aren't found sleeping in a feed trough.

The angels came in the night because that is when lights are best seen and that is when they are most needed. God comes into the common for the same reason.

His most powerful tools are the simplest.

Max Lucado

His Time

He DOES know best..

Ever feel like this?

"We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?"{Psalm 74:9-10}

Look around. The Bible is coming to pass. It is bearing Witness as of today..

"knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”" {2 Peter 3:3-4}

Have you been Praying about something? Have you been waiting on the Lord? Why does it seem that it is getting worse for "Christians?" Why does God allow such things? If the Word declares that God hears all Prayers, then why does it seem that He is not answering any?

First, He does hear all Prayer. How do I know? He tells us this. He does answer all Prayers. How do I know? He tells us this. Is it the Answer we always WANT to hear? No. Is it sometimes, "No?" Yes. Is it always immediate? Nope. But it is ALWAYS on time, and always for the best for Him and the Kingdoms sake.

Wait. What was that last part? But it is ALWAYS on time, and always for the best for Him and the Kingdoms sake. No, no, no. I'm talking about ME. Why is He not answering ME. I'm not talking about God or the Kingdom. Uh, maybe that is the problem? As a side note,

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." {Romans 8:28}

That's a GREAT Verse. One that people LOVE to claim. "All things work together for good " But You need to also understand THIS part "to them who are the called according to his purpose." Do not forget the HIS PURPOSE part. AS long as you are in God's Will, all things will come together, He will give you whatever tools you need, and He will Bless all you do. He is not talking about buying you a new Sports Car or giving you a pile of Money. Be careful what you are expecting and what it is you are, and why it is you are, asking for it..

However, the underlining truth here is we are talking about GOD. Trust me, He does know best. He is in the Past, Present, and Future. He knows what we are going to do before we do it. Wait.... Side side note. NO. He does not control us. You DO have Free Will. If I put a plate of Brussels Sprouts, and a plate of Candy on the Table, and tell my Children to chose one, I pretty much know they are going for the Candy. Does that mean I MADE them go for the Candy? No. I just knew they would. Get the point?

So God KNOWS what is best for us. He knows when things need to happen for other things to come into being. We know that Winter has to end, and Spring needs to come, for us to have new Life and Flowers, and fruit budding, ETC. Try as hard as we may, we are not going to grow a Garden under a foot of Snow..

The Word Declares...

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."{Ecclesiastes 3:1-8}

Jump ahead to Verse 11

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

We want everything NOW!! We want everything Yesterday. We want whatever we think is what we need.. Truth is, we really know nothing. This is why God tells us through His Word to not be desirous, or anxious.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."{Philippians 4:6-7}

So OK. I have to wait on the Lord? Yes. He knows what He is doing. So?? OK. What about all the Evil in the World? What about the fact that it seems to be getting worse? Why does God allow all this? Where is HE????

"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." {2 Peter 3:8-9}

Oh the time IS coming. But God is waiting as long as He can so "all should come to repentance." Will all? No. But He is waiting for as many as possible. Oh, and side side side note? For all those that want to tell you that the End is near? The end is the year 2000. Remember that? The End is 2010. Remember that? then end will happen within the next 20 years? Always remember and never forget what Jesus Himself told us..

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." {Matthew 24:36-44}

Relax. Wait on the Lord. He is in Charge. He knows what is best. He is ALWAYS on Time. His Time. Just trust in 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}

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

Jesus The Creator

God Said,,,, 

Do you know people that believe that Jesus is the Son of God? That He was created by God at a specific time, to come to earth, to sacrifice Himself for us, and that He was raised from the dead? Oh, they think He is great. They believe that He is still alive today, at the right hand of God.

However, this is where they stop. The do not understand that Jesus, is always, and has always, been. They do not see Him as God Himself. When you say to them, "Jesus is the Creator." Or, that Jesus has been here from the beginning, they, have an issue believing that.

Well, lets look at the Word...

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

Yeah? What's the point?

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

Hey, wait, the Spirit? He was not created until AFTER Jesus died. Uh, nope. The Holy Spirit was here at the beginning also.

"And God said,,,,"{Genesis 1}

You know how it goes. God created all things using His Words. God said, it was so. God said, it was so. ETC.. Now turn to John 1,,,

"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."{John 1:1-3}

Wait, "All things were made by him;" The Word is a Him??? "and without him was not any thing made that was made." "Without HIM, was NOTHING Made." Then little bit later, John makes it CLEAR,,,

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." {John 1:14}

"The Word" Him, "Was made Flesh" Who? The Word. "and dwelt among us." HE is Jesus. Jesus was in the beginning with God and was God. Jesus created all things and without HIM was nothing created. Then it was Him that came to earth and dwelt among us..

Did you know that Jesus even tells us, that the Word of God, the VERY Bible, ALL POINTS TO HIM??? Yup. Turn to John 5, starting at verse 37

"And the Father himself, who has sent me, has borne witness of me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. And you have not his word abiding in you: for whom he has sent, him you believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life." {John 5:37-40}

What is Jesus saying here. He is saying, you, the Religious folks, look to the Word, the Bible, for Salvation, yet reject Jesus Himself. He said, you can't do that. Why? Because all Scripture point to Him... He is saying that if you reject Him, then you must reject the very Word of God, because HE is the WORD of God. He, Jesus, IS the Word of God in the flesh.

You see, it is not about Religion. Other Religions have their Religious Books that talk about this or that. They tell stories of this or that Savior, Messiah, or Prophet. However, that is NOT the Bible. The Bible IS the very Word of God, who IS, Jesus in the Flesh. Are you following??

Paul even tells us that it was Jesus that created all things.

"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" {Ephesians 3:9}

Again, in His letter to the Colossians

"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." {Colossians 1:16}

Are you starting to get the Picture? Jesus, the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and God Himself, are all ONE. IF one, then they are totally and absolutely equal. Jesus IS God. He IS the Creator. He IS the Word of God.

This {Holding up the Bible} is NOT a History Book. Although there is History in it. This {Holding up the Bible} is not a book of Poetry. Yet there is Poetry in it. This {Holding up the Bible} is not a Religious Book. Yet entire Religions have been built up around it. This {Holding up the Bible} is the very LIVING WORD OF GOD.

Are you saying that you are holding Jesus Himself in your Hand? In essence, YES. I am saying that HE is the Creator. He is THE Word of God. He is THE "way, the truth, and the life." No one comes onto God but by Him. Why? Why is there no other way? Because He IS GOD. He IS the Creator. He IS the Plan of Salvation. He IS the Great I Am.

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..