Psalm 101

Psalm 101

1 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

Faith, Part 3

There is a Choice

Before, you had no Choice. You were born in the Flesh. You were born into this Wold. You had a Carnal Mind or an Earthly mind. You did not now that there was any other way. As the World was, so was you. As the Flesh was, so was you. Romans 8:5-8 declares this.

"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."

Remeber this little Truth in Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

You were once like everyone else. You were born into a World of Flesh and a World of Sin. However, you NOW know that there is a God, and He is a better way to Live. You now know that Jesus came to Earth and Died, rather, was Risen again on the third Day so that you can accept His sacrifice and Live Eternally.

You now know, that you have a Choice, and you now must, make the Choice. Walk in the Flesh, or, Walk in the Spirit.

God tells us plainly this in Ezekiel 18:21-25

"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?"

Pretty easy to understand. Is it now? However, think about this. We now have so much more. We are no longer bound by the Law. We now have access to the Spirit of God Himself. Jesus came a fulfilled the law. He summed up the Law this way in Matthew 22:37-40

"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”"

Simply put, we see over and over again, God says to us, "Walk in the Spirit. Not in the Flesh. Have a Heavenly Mind, not an Earthly Mind. Do the Will of the Father and not worry about the things of this World." Etc.

Let's go back to Romans 8 Starts at verse 1

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

If you are still walking in the flesh, then you are not different than anyone else who is already Condemned. Remember Jesus told us that all you have to do to be Condemned is simply reject Him?

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." {John3:18}

That's it, Folks. Seriously. You do not have to Murder someone. You do not have to be out there Robing Banks, Raping people, or even give yourself over to serve the Devil. Nope, you are Condemned already if you simply reject Jesus Christ.

He is the Key. He is the Door. He is the Way. The only way to God. The only way to Salvation. When you accept Him, you receive the Spirit of Adoption into the Family of God.

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." {Romans 8:15-17}

You now have a Choice. Walk in the Flesh, and receive the fruits of the Flesh, or walk in the Spirit and receive the Fruit of the Spirit. They are VASTLY different. Galatians 5:19-26

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

You must choose to walk in the Spirit to use your Faith. There is no other way. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. {James 4:8} The end result of this World and all the things of and in it, is death and destruction. only in Faith can you know that you will Live forever with God Himself. Choose the Spirit. Use your Faith. He has already set you free.

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 100

Psalm 100

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Faith, Part 2

The Power of Faith.

Now the last time we talked about this. We all have Faith. Some have Faith in themselves. Others, put their Faith in others. Some may even deny they have Faith. But they do. So since we all have the ability to have Faith, remember, Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

We must now then look at the Fact that Faith is Powerful. As a Child of God, Faith is more Powerful then you may know. As a matter of Fact, the Word tells us that we must operate as if what we Pray about is already there, even though it is not. Already answered even though it hasn't been materialized. Live as if it is. Luke 17:6

"And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

Also in Mark 9:23, Jesus tells us this,

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."

You must have Faith to believe, that what is not yet, already is. That what may seem ridiculous to some, and perhaps even impossible, is nothing to God. You being His child, nothing is impossible to you either.

Let's spend a bit more time in Hebrews 11. Start over at verse 1

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

How does one exercise their Faith? How do you increase your Faith? How do you learn how to use your Faith? The Word of God. Praying to God. Spending time with God. Allowing the Spirit to Teach you. Lead you. Guide you. Does it control your actions? It teaches you the way you should do things, so in a way, Yes. Faith also obeys your commands. You must learn how to use it, and learn how to increase your Faith. There is only really one way. Romans 10:17

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

If you do not read The Word, go to Church, or Pray, how can you be filled? You may have heard the Truth and may have even accepted it. You may be Saved. However, if you do not fill yourself, replenish, then eventually, those things you heard will fade away, and they will profit you little. You want to become more Faithful, and Faith-filled, then you need to feed on the Word of God.

When your Faith becomes strong, you can see more examples in Hebrews 11 of how Powerful Faith can be.

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

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."

Without Faith, it is impossible to please God. You have to accept, of course, that God is God. That He is above all and the Creator of all. That He is bigger than any problem that you may face in the World. You must have Faith in God's Word, and understand what it truly means. You have to have Faith that God, your Father, is Faithful and just to Forgive you of your Sins and help you along your Journey. You must have Faith that the things God tells you are as absolutely true as the things you see every day.

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

It was not raining when Noah starts building the Ark.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

Continuing in verse 11

"Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

Think about that also. We are in the World, but we are no longer of it. We do not always have to conform to the Laws of the Natural World, because we have become Supernatural Beings. We have received back the Authority over it, that God gave to Adam, and Adam gave to Satan. Look at this story in Matthew 8. Now Matthew 8 is filled with Faith and those practicing Faith in everyday life, well, let's look at some of them. Start at verse 5.

"And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."

No greater faith. The Centurion, not a Religious person, asked Him to heal his Servant. He understood, that even though he was not worthy, that if Jesus would, merely speak the Healing, his Servant would be healed. He had Faith that, one, Jesus could do it. Two, that all Jesus had to really do was Speak it. Command it. Tell the Spirit of Life to enter his House and Heal his Servant, and it would be done.

Look at all those who were using their faith in this series of events in Luke 8:41-56

"And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done."

It is by the Power of Faith that all these things took place. Through the Power of Faith, the Centurion's Servant was Healed. Through the Power of Faith, the Woman with the issue of Blood was Healed. Through the Power of Faith, Jairus's Dead 12-year-old Daughter was risen from the Dead and Healed. Faith has Power and you have total access to that same Power. You must simply decide to learn how to use it. You must also now decide, are you going to Walk in the Spirit, or in the Flesh? That is next time.

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 99

Psalm 99

1 The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

2 The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.

3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.

7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.

8 Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.

Faith, Part 1

What is Faith?

The Word declares this in Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Well, that makes sense. Does it not? How can you have Faith in God if you do not know who God is? How can you have Faith and believe in Jesus and the fact that it is through Him, and only Him, that you are Saved if you never heard of John 3:16, John 14:6, or Matthew 28, Mark 16, ETC.

You have to Hear the Truth,,

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." {Romans 10:17}

Then you have to Believe the Truth,,

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." {1 Peter 1:20-21}

So now you know, there is a very real God. Now you know there is a very real Jesus. Now you know that He came to Earth and Died for our Sins. For YOUR Sins. That He has become your Substitute in payment of debt, onto Death itself. So now this is where you need to place your Faith.

But wait. What is Faith? Is it merely a belief? Is it Wishing? It is Hoping? Do we all have Faith? Even those that do not believe in God?

First, Faith is NOT Wishing. Anytime you hear someone say, "I have Faith that I will get the Promotion," or "I have Faith that I will be able to get that new Car." that is NOT Faith. What they are saying is this. "I sure wish that I will get the Promotion," or "I sure wish that I will be able to get that new Car." "I sure Wish so." is not Faith. "I sure Wish God would Save me. I sure Wish that He sees all I have done in the name of my Religion and Blesses me for it." Is not Faith. This is not what we are talking about today.

We are talking about true Faith. Does everyone have Faith? Even those that do not believe in God? The Short answer is Yes. Everyone has Faith in something. Mostly, Faith is Supernatural Hope. Hope is Romans 8:24-25

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

In Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

We all have Faith. Think about this. Someone asked me once, "How do you have Faith in something you cannot See or Touch? How can you be so sure that God is real and this Jesus came to Earth and believing in Him, you go to Heaven? I want to believe, yet, I do not know how to have 'Blind Faith.'"

My response? "Did you make plans for Tomorrow? What are you doing this Weekend? How can you have such 'Blind Faith' as to do these things? You cannot Touch Tomorrow. You cannot See the Weekend. How do you make such Plans? You must have Faith that the Sun is going to come back and grant you the Day for the Plans you have made. Right? I believe that The Son is going to come back and keep all His Words that pertain to those who love Him and are "called according to His purpose."

You can think about this all the way back to the beginning. Atheists say it is nonsense to have Faith that God Created everything because we cannot See or Touch this invisible "thing." Yet they believe in what their own Science and Math tells them is impossible. That something came from nothing, and that all things came from one single cell organism. Plants, People, Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, Dogs and Cats, ETC. Just not possible. Yet they have Faith that it was ANYTHING except God.

These people also, mostly. do not have peace. They see death as the end all. Just close your eyes and cease to exist. They rely totally on themselves and "hope" that the Universe treats them good while they are here. After all, we are all here by a happy accident. Right?

You? As a Child of God, it need not be so.

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." {Romans 15:13}

We know that we are not here by accident. We know that we will live on long after we close our eyes on this Earth. We know that we do not need to think about Tomorrow. Jesus tells us this Truth in Matthew 6:34

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

We know that everything, including Tomorrow, is in God's Hands. James 4:13-17

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

Next time we will continue this series and talk about the Power you have through Faith, as a Child of God. 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 of all!

Psalm 98

Psalm 98

1 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

5 Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.

6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

9 Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Loving Difficult People

We all know some.

We all know someone in our lives that make us feel like this.

"Oh no. Not again. I really do not want to deal with this person right now. I'm not in the mood. I know I'm supposed to be loving and kind and all that, but seriously, this person is just hard for me to love."

It can be anyone. A Family Member? Someone from your Job? Someone from the Neighborhood? A Friend of your Child even. Someone that gives you a headache with just the thought that you may have to deal with them again, no matter how brief, for any reason whatsoever.

You know what Jesus said?

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." {John 15:12}

I really what you to think about that. How did Jesus love us? Yup. He died for us. The Word declares this in John 15:13

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

I can hear you. You are saying "Yeah, yeah, yeah. For my Friends. But you are talking about so and so. They are not my Friend." Well? Jesus came to Earth to Save those that actually Stripped Him, beat Him, Tortured Him, and Murdered Him by Nailing Him to a Cross. Do you think you would die for someone like that? Romans 5:7-8

" For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The majority of People that Jesus saw on a daily bases were not Happy Shiny People that loved Him and wanted to be Friends. Most of the People Jesus dealt with?

Doubted everything He said.
Questioned Him continuously.
Falsely accused Him of things continuously.
Sought His harm continuously.
Insulted and Besmirched Him daily.
Even Tortured and Killed Him.

Yet? In all this, He said this as He took one of His final breaths.

"And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments." {Luke 23:34}

Oh, we may choose to lay down our Lives for someone like the President, or Superstar, or some kind of Hero. But Jesus came and laid down His Life for us. Sinners. Lowlifes. The Most Difficult of People. You know, "Adulters, Fornicators, Dirty Living, Lew, Idolatrous, Witchcraft Loving, Hate-Filled, Contentious, Jealous, Angry, Selfish, Troublemaking, Heretical, Envious, Murderers, Drunks, and Partiers." {Galatians 5:19-21} That IS us. That IS who God so Loved, that Jesus had to come and Love, and Die for. This is why Jesus tells us this in Luke 6:27-36

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

So who is that Difficult Person in your Life? Are they annoying? Or are they trying to Kill you? Either way, they simply do not know what they are doing. You should come to a place where instead of avoiding them, you should try teaching them. 2 Timothy 2:23-26

"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

As a Matter of Fact, The Word declares this in Philippians 2:3

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

I have heard it said, and I believe it to be True, that we, you and I, Children of God, may be the only Jesus some people will ever see. Some will never step foot in a Church, pick up the Bible, or engage in a quest to find the Truth. But there you are, standing in front of them. Talking to them. Treating them??? What kind of Jesus are they seeing?

What does being a Child of God look like? Quick and Cold? Rude? Nasty even? Or Warm and Loving. Open and Forgiving? Always Loving and Lifting up, or Hating and Tearing down? Are you looking them in the eyes? Are you Hiding from them when you see them coming? What did Jesus do when He saw those that would Torture and Kill Him coming? Did He hide from them? No. Matthew 26:46

"Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me."

He rose and went to meet them. They were not coming to insult Him or give Him a hard time, they were coming to Execute Him in the most brutal Execution in history. He rose up from His position on the Ground and met them face to face.

Yes. Yes, there are Difficult People in our Lives. They can be annoying. The can be anything from Disrespectful to downright Abusive. You may not be able to change them. But you can change how you receive them. Remember, you can only be Offended if you CHOSE to be Offended. Simply chose not to be.

It's like a Child throwing a Tantrum. Annoying. Loud. Irritating. But in the end, you know that you Win. You are the Parent. You have the Power. You have the Control. When a non-Child of God is acting in a way that is Annoying, Loud, Irritating, or pretty much just throwing a Tantrum, just remember, as a Child of God, you have the Power. You have the Control. In the end, you know that you Win. Need assurance? Read Romans 8.

What you need to do is simple BE the Child of God, God calls you to be.

"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

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.