Psalm 58

Psalm 58

1 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.

3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;

5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.

6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.

7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.

10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Serving God, Example

"Do as I say, not as I do."

You have heard that before I'm guessing. From your Parents? From a person in charge? Perhaps you have even said it."Do as I say, not as I do." Does this directive work? No. Almost never. Never in the long term. Ever hear this saying? "Sorry, I didn't hear you. I was too busy watching what you were doing."

The latter is most likely the more truthful. Oh you can SAY "Do as I say, not as I do." But that does not mean they will. Children who watch Parents drink are twice as likely to binge on Alcohol. Smoke? Children whose Parents smoked are twice as likely to begin smoking between ages 13 and 21 as Offspring of Nonsmokers.

I remember growing up in my Grandma's House. Grandma Smoked. A lot. I do not remember ever seeing her without one. On the contrary, I can still remember seeing her with a cigarette in her mouth, with this long dangling Ash about to fall off, as she was bending over to tie my shoes as a child. I remember seeing that when she was cooking too. I started Smoking when she passed on. I was 13. Why? Kids learn far more watching what you do, than they will hearing what you say.

Now let me ask you a question. If I go up to you and say God Loves you. Jesus came and died for you. You know. John 3:16

"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."

Then I tell you that He is the same Jesus as He always was, and that He will set you free from anything.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." {John 8:36}

I explain that Jesus said this in Luke 4:18

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,"

I can be a compassionate and on fire as I want. You may even like what I'm are saying. I may have opened a door. But then? A little bit later? You come to the local Store and see me buying two 12 packs of Beer. Or you Go to a neighborhood BBQ and see me there Smoking, Drinking, and pretty much raising a little Hell. You know, just "Having Fun." You come over and try to talk to me, but all of a sudden, I seem to never use the name Jesus. After all, this is not the time or the place. After all, this is Soandso's BBQ and they do not believe. I do not want to offend them.

So now what? What do you think the person is gonna think of me? More importantly, what are they gonna think of the Message? Is it real? Is it simply like any other Religion? What is the difference in me, and anyone else out there? Worst yet, what is the difference in me, and them? The lost?

This is why we are told as Children of God, to live for God.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." {Romans 12:1}

We are to be different. We are to be unique. We should stand out. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

God calls us the "Salt of the Earth" {Matthew 5:13} He calls us "Children of Light" {Ephesians 5:8} He calls us equal to Jesus Christ Himself {Romans 8:14-17} We "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}

This is why Jesus taught us things like "Turn the other Cheek." and to "Love our Enemies." In Matthew 5:43-48

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Jesus Himself was a perfect example. God Himself in the Flesh. Look what He told Peter when Peter cut off Malchus's Ear in Matthew 26:53-54

"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?"

Not only did Jesus, AKA God, go to be Baptized by John the Baptist, wash His Disciples Feet, teaching them that He Himself came to serve us, He went to the Cross without even a thought of stopping it, which He could have easily done. at any time.

Who is first in your life? Are you looking to serve yourself or do you serve others? Are you living by Example, or are you attempting to tell people "Do as I say, not as I do?" Can people clear see that you ARE the "Salt of the Earth," "Children of Light," equal to Jesus Christ Himself ? Do they see ANY difference whatsoever?

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.

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!

Psalm 57

Psalm 57

1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

There Will Be a Resurrection for all

You will be Resurrected.

We just got done discussing the concept of Thinking Up. In doing so, this Passage was discussed briefly. John 5:28-29 again.

"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

Wait. Have you ever heard it put this way? "those who have done good, to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." Those who will not be Saved, will still have a Ressurection? "and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

So even if you do not believe in God. Even if you do not believe in Heaven. Even if you think this is it. There is nothing else. You think you simply cease to exist when you die, there is nothing after. Even people like you will be Resurrected. EVERYONE will live on. Why? Becuase we are all Eternal beings.

Let's look at this Passage in the Word. Ephesians 1:4-6

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"

Stop. Read that again. "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world" Before he made the World itself, He not only knew who you were, but He CHOSE you. He foreknew who you were, and CHOSE you.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." {John 15:16}

We have always been known by God. He Forknows who you are and the type of person you will be before your Momma and Poppa even meet. He knew your name from the Foundation of the World

Back to Ephesians 1: 5-6

"Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

Romans 8:28-30 declares this.

"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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

Our life here on Earth is nothing. It is a brief flicker. The Word declares it as a Vapor. James 4:14

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

Think about just one hundred years. If someone was 100 years old, they would have been born in 1917 For the most part, they lived as we have always lived since Adam and Eve. Horse and Candle light. Out houses and Wood Burning Fire Places. They went from that to Laser Beams and Space Travel. All within that brief 100 year time period.

Also in that 100 year time period, this person, got married. They had three Children. Their Children grew, met others, had more Children. Those Children had Children. They were Cops, Doctors, Dancers, Teachers. One wrote a book that changed the Literary Landscape. All these things happened in a simple One Hundred Year period. What about 200 years? What about 500?

Now the Word declares this in 2 Peter 3:8

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day."

A Thousand Years. Our 100-year-old friend, that did and saw all they did, has become nothing more than dust in the ground. They have been dead and gone for over 900 years. But to God? It was like yesterday to you. Are you following? Now forget 1000 years. What about an Eternity?

Eternity is simply never ending. We will all leave this Earth. We will all be transformed into something else, but we will all live on forever. It does not matter if you chose to accept this or not. Remember John 3:18?

"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."

Condemnation is not always Retribution. It is not Punishment. It is simply the end result of the refusal to believe and accept God and His Plan of Salvation. Just like all that step off a high place, all will fall. It does not matter who they are, what they believe, or anything else. Even if they claim to do not believe in Gravity. When they step off the high place they will fall. Gravity did not punish them for their disbelief. They simply fell because they did NOT believe, and they stepped off.

There will be a Resurrection for everyone. "Those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." the choice is yours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 56

Psalm 56

1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.

8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

10 In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.

11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Think up, Reward

What are you working for? 

If I ask you, most people, "How is your 401 K?" you, and most people, would be able to tell me. Pretty good. Lost some but building back. Could be better. ETC. Most people are fully aware of their financial status looking ahead to the future.

We have people whose entire career is to manage your money today, so you have the most possible for tomorrow. Our Stock Market and Banks have become like Churches for most. Money is their God. The worry of tomorrow has some paralyzed in dealing with today. People tell you all the time that you must do this or that. Set 10 percent of our salary aside. 20 percent. 30 if you can. You need to save as much as you can now, while you can, while there is income coming in so when there is not, we will be OK. That is thinking down.

Now? Let's think Up. You seem to have your 401 K down pat. What about your 401 E? Your Eternal Retirement Plan. Oh, there is such a thing. Remember what Jesus taught us? Luke 12:16-21

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Why would Jesus tell us this? Turn to Matthew 6:19-21

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

Have you ever thought about that? "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also?" Sounds like this. Does it not? Matthew 6:24

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

There will be a very distinct difference in Reward. But there will be a Reward. Look at John 5:28-29 again.

" Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

Wait. Have you ever heard it put this way? "those who have done good, to the resurrection of life and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." Oh tthere will be a Resurrection for all. Some Translations say "Rise" "Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."

We will all "Rise." We are all Eternal Beings. There IS a Resurrection for every Man, Woman, and Child. Are you thinking Up? Planning for your Eternal Retirement Plan? Or are you thinking down? Are you storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven, or, are you trying to build Barns?

According to 2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

John gives us a behind the scenes peek at this in Revelation 20:12-13

"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. According to his Deeds."

You see, the choice is yours. You can think about yourself, and today, and or, you can Think Up. This next story I would like to share with you is a tough one. It really is. Jesus told us this story in Luke 16:19-31

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

Now that is a harsh story. It really is. But it is simply a matter of choice. The Rich man saw Lazarus every day. He never concerned himself with anything more than himself. Also, the Rich Man knew the Word of God. He chose to not accept it. Lazarus was obviously faithful enough to be Saved by God. All about choices. Which direction do you choose to think?

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!

Psalm 55

Psalm 55

1 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;

3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.

6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.

9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.

11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.

17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Think Up, Strangers

We are Strangers in a Strange Land.

Last time we talked about the fact there is a God. That we must Think Up, in other words, realize that He, God, is in charge. He created all things and in all things, He is in charge. The World will tell you that there is no God. Why the Movement in the Religion Realm of No Devil? Why no Hell? Same reason for all. No Hell, No Devil, No God, No Sin. No reason for a Saviour. Live as you will. As a Society we still attempt, at least as of this second, to tell people not to Harm anyone, but we tell people to live as you will. Anything Goes. If it makes you happy, do it.

However, we know there is a God. We know that it does not matter what the World says or thinks, all that matters is what God says or thinks. Once you stop Thinking Up, thinking about God, you WILL fill your head with the things of the World and the things of the World are Enmity to God. The more and more you stop thinking of God, I'm talking to Children of God here as well, the more you stop thinking about God, the more the World WILL come in and separate you further and further from God till you get to a place where you start to call Good Sin and Sin Good.

As we are no longer of the World, we must continue to Think Up, just to keep our Minds pure and Holy.

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" {Philippians 3:20}

Oh, the World will say many things. The World WILL tell you that Sin is Good and Good is Sin. They will have all kinds of nice conversations with you, attempting to convince you that compassion means accepting the Sin with the Sinner and that we must never offend anyone. Think Up. They will tell you all kinds of things. Think Up.

Simply put, if what the World is telling you, no matter who it is that is telling you, is not in the Bible or is contrary to the nature of God, then what they, no matter who they are, are saying, they are LYING to you. We are Strangers in a Strange Land. The World does not represent us. We are no longer members of the World. We are no longer owned, if you will, by the World. Think Up.

Peter warns us in 1 Peter 2:11-12

"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

You were once one of them. You were once just like them. You once thought the way they did. But now you must not. Now you are a new Creature and you are now a Child of God.

" And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." {Romans 8:17}

An Ambassador of Heaven. Set your Minds on the things from above.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." {Colossians 3:2}

Why?

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." {Romans 12:2}

Remeber Romans 8:5-8

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God."

God says;

1 Have no other god before God.
2 Do not commit Idolatry.
3 Do not take the Name of God in Vain.
4 Remember the Sabbath.
5 Honor your Father and Mother.
6 Do not commit Murder.
7 Do not commit Adultery.
8 Do not Steal.
9 Do Not Bear False Witness.
10 Do not Covet.

The World says;

1 Any god will do. All are equal.
2 Statues of Saints, Mary, and Jesus, can and have worked Miracles.
3 It is only belief and Language. No big deal.
4 Who cares? We live in a 24-7 Society we want everything NOW or yesterday.
5 Nursing homes and Retirement Centers
6 Abortion.
7 No big deal.
8 Depends on reason. Maybe justified.
9 Gossip. Even entire entertainment venues about Gossip.
10 Greed is good. Keeping up with the Jones is normal, healthy, and good.

See, the World will tell you all kinds of things. They will give compassionate arguments and even twist subtle truths to convince you that this is simply the Wisdom of all in the World and if you disagree with it, then you are simply foolish. However, we know what the Word of God says about the Wisdom of the World. 1 Corinthians 3:19

"For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,"

We are Strangers in a Strange Land. Whenever what the Strange Land tries to tell you, Think Up. Ask your Father. Read the Word. Think on things from above. If they come together in unity, great. If you have to choose between what you know God says, and what the World says, God is ALWAYS right. His Word is ALWAYS Truth. Good is ALWAYS Good. Sin is ALWAYS Sin. He is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forevermore. Remember to always Think Up Stranger. 1 John 2:15

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not 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!

Psalm 54

Psalm 54

1 Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

4 Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.

6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good.

7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.