Psalm 110

Psalm 110

1 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.

7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

Calm in Life's Storms, Loss of Job.

Is your job your god? 

Is your J.O.B your G.O.D.? I'm seriously asking you. Is your Job your god? Ridiculous you say? Are you sure? Think about it.

We spend most of our awake time at our Jobs. We do things that we would never do for our Jobs. Our Jobs pay us money that???

Pays our Bills, gives us a Roof over our Heads. Food on the Table. Cloths on our Body. Electricity. Vehicle to come and go. Entertainment. We rely on our Job to meet our Needs. Used to be, people would work 9-5 Monday through Friday. They would go out and do whatever it was that would supply them with the Money to live. The Wife and Mother would stay home to raise the Children. Then after Dad got home, they would all sit around the table and have Dinner. Talking, sharing their day's events. Then came the Weekends, where they would spend time as a Family.

Now, most of the time, both the Man and Woman are both out working 24-7. Working 9-5 is nearly all but gone. Weekends off? Rare. Got to make that Money.

God did not create Money. God has no use for it. We did. Money and Wealth is a Man-made concept. We chose to say that this piece of paper is worth one dollar or a hundred dollars. We chose to say that this shiny rock, is worth all this Money. Imagine God, looking down from Heaven, when He sees someone open an Oyster's Shell and see a spitball, and say, "This is valuable." It's is foolishness.

However, it is the System we created. It is a System we must live in. It is the System that can and does, lead some to an early Grave. They work themselves to death. Some are very successful, out there doing what they do, and then they come home and wonder, "Where did the Kids go?" Well, they Graduated and are out on their own. Sorry, you missed them grow up. Got to make that money.

Proverbs 23:4 says this.

"Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!"

When you drive your body, 24-7, you deprive it of Sleep, Food, and even simple Rest. Eventually, it will give out. He who dies with the most Toys wins? Got to make that money.

God does not want you to worry. Jesus taught us this fact, that as a Child of God, you should not only have no fear of these things but take no thought of them at all. If we, as a Child of God, put our trust in Him, He is faithful and just, to meet our every need. In Luke 12:15

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Then He tells us this.

"The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." {Luke 12:23-30}

Where is your Faith? Is your Faith in God? To be faithful and true to His Word that HE will meet your needs? Or is your Faith in yourself, and your Job, to meet your needs? Where is your Faith Child of God?

"But you don't understand. I do not want to drive that. I do not want to live there. I want MORE. So much more. I got to do whatever I got to do to make more Money.."

Really? Have you not heard?

"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." {1 Timothy 6:7-10}

There are many people that have accepted Money as their god. Banks have become Churches. Financial Advisers have become Evangelists. People bow at the Alter of the Stock-market. The love of Money will lead you to violate the rest of the Commandments.

You will forget, or have no time for the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it, thou shalt still work. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. But you will say to yourself, no big deal. I have to work. Gotta make that Money.

You will fail to Honor thy Father and Mother. Even Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 15:4-6.

"For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."

The Love of Money can lead you to Steal. It will lead you to Lie. It will open you up to Coveting things that are not yours. It will lead you to Adultery. It will lead you to Murder. If I cannot make that Money, I will simply TAKE it.

When speaking of Riches, The Word tells us this.

"Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:33-34)

You know that whatever you do, in the end, it's just a Job. Are you are a Famous Actor? Musician? Sports Star? You know what happens when you become too old to keep doing what you are doing? Someone else steps up and takes your place. All those people that used to chant your name now chant someone else's. All those people that used to follow you around, now follow someone else. That Movie you did, that was the number one Movie in History? Has been replaced with the next number one Movie in History. That position you had in the Company? Someone else sits in your seat now. So on and so forth. It was all just a Job.

God is there. He is always there. He will never leave nor forsake you. You are and will always be His Child. He must come first. Jesus came right out and told us, you cannot love both, Money and God.

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

So who really cares if you lose your Earthly Worldly Job? God will meet your need far more sufficient than you will on your own relying on that Job. If you lose that Job today?

Psalm 62:7

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

You now have more time to spend with God and see what HE has for you to do. Do not put your J.O.B. on the same level as God.

Is God number one in your life? Are you sure? 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 of 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 109

Psalm 109

1 Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;

2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.

3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.

8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.

10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

11 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.

12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.

13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the Lord; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.

15 Let them be before the Lord continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.

17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

18 As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

19 Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.

20 Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the Lord, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

21 But do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.

22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.

23 I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.

24 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.

25 I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shaked their heads.

26 Help me, O Lord my God: O save me according to thy mercy:

27 That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, Lord, hast done it.

28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

29 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.

31 For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.

Calm In Life's Storms

The Storms will come. 

I live in Sunny South Florida. Isn't it a beautiful place to live? Most of the time, it is what? Sunny. Beautiful Weather. Every now and then, we have to deal with a Storm. Some can be pretty bad. But you know what? If I lived in California, I would have to deal with Landslides, Wild Fires, Earth Quakes. Mid West? Tornadoes. North East? Nor'easter. You get the point.

No matter where you live if you wait long enough, a Storm is coming. No matter how perfect the Weather is the rest of the time, something is going to happen. So we have created "Safe Places." Storm Shelters, Fortified Homes, Safe Rooms in Homes. Shelters outside for the Community. ETC.

Life is the same way. It does not matter where you come from. Who you are. What you have in the Bank. Saved or not. Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddist, or even Athiest, a Storm is coming. Where is your "Safe Place?"

Mine? Psalm 62:7

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

In this Series, we will discuss some of Life's Storms.

Loss of Family and Friends.
Loss of Job.
Loss of Life.

First, let's talk about the loss of Family and Friends. Oh, this does happen, and could very well, happen to you. Especially if you become a New Creature, Adopted into the Family of God. Remember what we were just discussing? Jesus told us this in Matthew 10:35-39

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person enemies will be those of his own household."

Now first, does Jesus say this out of Vindictiveness or Hate? Does He really mean that He purposely came here to rip Families apart? No. Of course not. What He means is this. Because some will hear and accept the Truth, which is the Gospel, and some will not, there will be a division. Not only will there be a division, but those that do not accept Jesus may very well come to Hate those that do. Even if those people are related.

The Word tells us over and over again, {Matthew 10:22, John 3:19, John 15:18, Romans 1:29-30} just to name a few, that we will be Hated for Jesus Sake. Galatians 4:16 states this.

"So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

Why? Jesus puts it plainly in Luke 11:23

"He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth."

The problem comes in when those that knew you best, those that did things with you, now look at you, and they think that you think, you are now better than them. See, they are still doing those things you use to do, but now you are not. You are trying to show them that there is a better way, but they cannot hear you. They do not want to hear what you have to say. They simply want you to just go away. They feel Judged and Lorded over, even if that is the farthest thing from the Truth.

These are they, it does not matter if they are Related or not, that still have a Carnal Mind or an Earthly Mind. They are not of God and therefore they cannot even hear what you are saying. To them, you are speaking Foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:18

"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

They cannot get over Jesus Rising from the Dead. 1 Corinthians 1:23

"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;"

Those that understand the Word, those that have the Spirit of God in them, they understand and receive the Gospel. They understand and receive the Truth of God. They have been Adopted into the FAMILY of God.

So when the Storm of Division comes into your Life, how can you claim?

"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

First, you ARE Saved. In most cases, no matter how sad, or how hard it is to accept, they are not. Second, you are now a Child of God. you have Glory to look forward to. Third, He is your Strength. Never forget,

"Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." {1 John 4:4}

Now I do understand that this can be a very sad time. Someone you truly love, and Friend of even worse a Family Member, not only turning their back on you but actually coming right out and Hating you, always remember this, they are no longer your Family. You have a new one.

"And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”" {Mark 3:32-35}

This is the Church. The People are the Body of Christ. Yeah, you may lose your Earthly Mother. Or your Earthly Brother or Sister. Just look at what you receive. You receive all the Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, Fathers, Friends, that are in the Church. In time, if you allow them to, they will become closer to you than your Earthly Family and Friend ever would be.

You never have to fear people walking away. You have a new Family. You are a Child of God,

"and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." {Romans 8:17}

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 108

Psalm 108

1 O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

2 Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

3 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.

5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.

7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

9 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

10 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?

11 Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?

12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Some People Will Never Change, Even With The Truth

Not all will receive

When Teaching us who we are as Children of God, remember, we are all His Creation, yet we are NOT all His Children. When Teaching us of our responsibilities as God's Sons and Daughters, Jesus used the Parable of the Sower of the Seed. They did not understand this Parable, so Jesus was forced to explain it plainly. Luke 8:11-15

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience."

What we are going to focus on today is the Wayside People. There are more of these People out there in this World than there are people who are going to receive The Word and allow it to change them.

This is the People of this World. These are the most common. As we discussed last time, we are born into this World. We are born into Sin. This World is connected with our flesh and we belong to this World and therefore, we belong to the Ruler of this World, the Devil himself. We do not have to go out and Murder Someone. We do not have to dance Naked around a Fire chanting to the Devil. We are already his. Born this way.

So when someone comes along and starts telling them that they are a Sinner, and they must repent and accept Jesus in order to be Saved, they do not even really hear what is being said to them. They have been taught that there is no Hell, Devil is Hollywood, no God, we are just here by a happy happenstance. So Saved from what?

They have most likely also been told by friends and Family, Society, ETC, that those that believe in God and the Bible and Ignorant, Hatefilled, Homophobic, Chovanistic, Simpletons that should be laughed at and ignored.

So even though you try to tell them the Truth, they simply cannot even hear it. These are they that Jesus said this about in John 8:47

"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."

I am very sorry. But I have to tell you the Truth. Some of these people may very well be People in your life that you love very much. They may be Family or Friends. They could even be Parents and or Children. Remember what Jesus warned us about? In Matthew 10:35-39

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person enemies will be those of his own household."

Hold on a second. What? You see, some of these Wayside People have actually grown to HATE God. Even the Concept. They not only reject Jesus, but they HATE Jesus. They HATE anything Christian. So now here you are, a Christian. Are you getting the point? But what does Jesus Teach us about this? He Teaches us that even though this is True, we need to always choose Him and God first.

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Remember what Jesus said when one said he wanted to Follow Him but wanted to go to his Father's Funeral first? Matthew 8:21-22

"Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Then He told another that once you receive the Word, you should not go back to the way things were before. He said this in Luke 9:61-62

"Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”"

Does this mean that we should not share the Word with these People? Of course not. Jesus taught all that showed up. Even those He knew would never accept Him or His Word. Jesus taught that we should do the same. Luke 9:1-6

"And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere."

Now first, notice this. He did not say, smack them in the Head with the Bible and tell them that they were going to Hell and attempt to Shove the Word down their throat. He said what? Move on. Attempt to Teach, but if they do not receive you, then move on.

I know that it can be hard. You are looking at someone you love, in some cases, more than anyone in the World, and you know that they are going to Hell, and you want so desperately to save them. Here is a hard Truth. You can't Save them. Only Jesus can. And only if they accept His Sacrifice.

We are all Captains of our own Ships thru this amazing Journey called Life. Others can share Wisdom, Point out Hazards, and Show the Best way to go. Yet? We all have to make our own decisions and set our own Coordinates.

It really does not matter how much you love them, care for them, compassionately plead with them, they will never hear the Truth. They will never accept Jesus. They may even come to HATE you because you have. However, this is no longer your responsibility. If you shared the Truth with them, you have met your obligation as a Child of God. You have fulfilled your Obligation. You are now free and clear. You have told them the Truth. You are not responsible for their decision to accept or not.

"If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul." {Ezekiel 33: 8-9}

The Sad Truth is simple to understand, yet, sometimes hard to accept. Even with the Truth, some people will never Change. Just like no one could force you to accept Jesus or not, you cannot force anyone else. Simply tell them the Truth, and then it is between them and 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.

Psalm 107

Psalm 107

1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:

12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.

14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.

25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.

28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;

37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.

38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.

39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.

41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.

42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

Some People Will Never Change, Human Nature

It Is Human Nature

This is one of those Messages that is not taught often. It is also one of those Messages that is not received well by some. It can be hard to hear. We all have people in our lives that we love and want nothing but the best for. Or we all know someone that has already pasted that we would never want to think will never go to Heaven. However, the simple Truth is that some people will never change. Why? Human Nature.

How many are Parents? How many have told your Child, "Don't do that" and what do they do? THAT. OK. You do not have kids? Ever walk by a Wet Paint Sign? "Wet Paint, Do Not Touch." What do you do? Touch. What is that? Human Nature.

Remember the very first Father told the very first Kids, "Do not touch that." and what did they do? Think about this. God Creates Paradise. He actually Created the Universe, the Earth, and all that is in them for us. Then, He Created Man in His own Image. He gave Man domination over all of His Creation. All He Commanded Man NOT to touch was one Tree. Genesis 2:15-17

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”"

It truly was a Paradise. The Lions laid down with the Lambs. There were no Thorns, Pain, Sickness, Diseases, not even Death itself existed in the Garden. No Shame. No Sadness. Nothing bad whatsoever. What does man do? Genesis 3:1-7

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths."

At this very moment, Sin entered the World. It became part of Human Nature. Defiance, Anger, Hate, Jealousy, Envy, Pride, Stubbornness, ETC. We even became separated from God at that moment. Instead of walking with and talking to God Face to Face in the Flesh, now we must receive the Spirit of Adoption so that we are Adopted back into the Family of God so we can rejoin Him in Spirit.

Herein lays the heart of the matter. Without receiving the Spirit of Adoption, we are NOT His. We are NOT all Children of God as some think. We are all God's Creation, yet, we are not all His Children.

So just like the Devil became filled with Arrogance and Pride, so are we filled with it. We are taught from an early age that we are important. What we want is the most important. Being number one. Always strive for better. Keep up with the Jones. ETC.

Now in this Country, and around the World, we are seeing Romans 1 play out.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.

They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

We find time and time again in the Word, that this is a simple Truth. That, you have two kinds of People. Children of God, People of Faith, and those who live in the Flesh. Romans 8:5-8

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Ever wonder why there are some that will fight their entire lives against something, or attempt to prove something that they do not believe in, doesn't exist? Human Nature. Rebel against God. Reject His Authority. Make yourself the most important person in the Universe.

Then you have those that simply believe that this is it. once you die, it's all over. So live as you will. Pleasure yourself in whatever way you see fit. We still say try not to hurt anyone, but everything else goes. No God. No Devil. No Heaven or Hell. Just you. Just this. Eat, Drink, make lots of Money, have fun.

What makes this sad sometimes? Some of these People are very nice People. Some of these People are very "Good People" in a worldly sense. They may give to Charities. They may fight Good Causes. They may be Someone we Love or may have been, someone we Loved in the Past.

These may also be Someone you have attempted to invite to Church. Or perhaps Someone you attempted to share The Word with. Why is it that they seem to not even be able to hear you? More on that next time. The Short answer was given by Jesus when He was talking to People that were following their Religion to the Letter. Rulers of the Religion at the time. He said this. John 8:47

"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not 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 106

Psalm 106

1 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?

3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;

5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.

8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

13 They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord.

17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram.

18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.

20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;

22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.

23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.

24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.

26 Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:

27 To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

28 They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.

30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.

31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.

32 They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.

34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them:

35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

36 And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

38 And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.

39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.

42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.

43 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.

44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.

48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.