I am Who He Says I Am. Light

In the Dark World

Welcome, today. We have been talking about who we are. Not necessarily how we or the world sees us, but the fact that we ARE who HE, God, says we are. So far we talked about who we are pre-Jesus. Who we become and are now, as Adopted Children of God.

Last time we talked about God calling us Strangers in a Strange Land. The Fact that we are still in the World but no longer of it. We are Citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ. We are "little Jesus's" and Representatives of God.

In our new role, Jesus calls us, The Light of the World. Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

So let's look at this in more depth. What or who, is The Light? God. {Genesis 1, 1 John 1:5,etc}If you read Genesis carefully, you will see that before the Stars, Moon or Sun was even Created, there was Light, God IS Light.

The Word. {Psalms Psalm 119:130, 119:105}The Word has been around since the beginning. It is the Word that became Flesh and dwelt among us {John 1} who is? Jesus. {John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:35}

Then Jesus tells us WE are the Light. Really briefly put, Jesus said this in John 9:5

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

He then left us to go to the Father. Yet, He sent us another in His place, The Holy Spirit, which through Him we are Adopted into the Family of God, becoming equal to Christ Himself. Hense, the Light of the God. Now we are filled with His Spirit and become new Creatures. Children of God. Children of Light.

Before this took place, we were the same as the rest of the World. Now all has changed. We need to act like it. Ephesians 5:8

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

Paul tells us in Philippians 2:14-15

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

We are no longer of the World. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 declares this.

"For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."

This is why Jesus was telling us this. Again, Jesus Himself said this.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

What does this convey to you? How do you see this in your Mind's Eye? A bright beautiful City sitting up high on a hill. Surrounding that City is nothing but Darkness. Think of a Sailor in a Storm or even just at Night. He sees what? A Lighthouse, or many bright lights coming from a city on Land. He then knows the way to go.

We should not TRY to be a Shining Beacon of Hope. That City is not TRYING to be a Shining City on the Hill. It just IS. People wandering around in the darkness, see it and are drawn to it. Are you, as a Child of God, being that City? That Beacon?

"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."

You were once the same as everyone else. Then God, picked you out, filled you with His Spirit, {Fuel} and Lit you, not to hide who and what you are, but for to what? Fill the World with Light. To give guidance to those that may be stumbling around, bumping into things, in the darkness that surrounds them. Are you being that Lamp? That Beacon?

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Did He say so that you receive Praise and Glory? No. Did He say you are the Light solely for the sake of the Lost? No. What did He say you are the Light for? He said for the"glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Do not misunderstand. You ARE What He says you are. The Light of the World. Are you being that? Think about it this way. You heard God Call you. You accepted the Gift that is Jesus's Sacrifice and was Adopted into the Family of God whereby you can cry Abba Father. What does the World see when it looks at you? A New Creature, or a mirror image of the World itself. Do you say Jesus freed you from all Sin and Disease, yet they see you Smoking, Drinking, and doing Drugs? Do you say that God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten Son, and yet you Gossip, putting others down and insulting people that you may not like? Are you being a Child of God, or are you merely being "Religious?" Are you bring Glory to God, simply by being you?

Are you being the Light? You must first be the Light, and let it Shine before you can be a Sower of the Seed. More on that 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 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 114

Psalm 114

1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

2 Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.

3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?

6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

8 Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.

I Am Who He Says I Am, No Longer Of The World

We may still be in the World,

But we are no longer of it. What Country were you born in? What Country do you call Home? Chances are, you have something in your Wallet, Purse, or Pocket, that Identifies you are a Citizen of that Land. Many have left their Birthland and have moved to another. America is made up of those who did just that.

From time to time, you are required to show Proof of Citizenship. Many have Pride, and pull out their ID with a smile, and present their "Papers" to prove they belong. They have Pride that they are a part of their Country. Many, that have just come to America, can't wait to show their Proof of Citizenship. They worked hard to get it.

I got news for you. You are not a Citizen. Not anymore. Not even Duel Citizenship. You are now a Stranger in a Strange Land. But I am not talking about the Country you live in. I'm talking about the whole World. Remember what Jesus told us?

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." {John 15:19}

In his Prayer, Jesus said this,,,

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."{John 17-14:18}

Notice He said, twice, "they are not of the world." However, He did NOT say you will be taken out of the World, rather that He was sending you into the World. This is where that popular phrase "In the World, not of it." comes from. We are no longer OF the World and this is why the World hates us so much.

Once you accept Jesus, once you receive The Spirit of Adoption, once you become able to call the Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, The Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, Daddy, you are no longer a Citizen of Earth.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children 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 8-14:17}

Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" {Ephesians 2:19}

You are a Citizen of Heaven. The Lord of lords and the King of kings is your Daddy. You are a Prince or Princess of HEAVEN. It doesn't matter who you are, or rather who you were,,

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." {Galatians 3:28}

We are all the same. We have all been washed clean with the Blood of The Christ. The Blood of Jesus. We have all been Adopted into the Family of God. We are all now Citizens of Heaven. This is why we are not to be conformed to this World. Romans 12:1-2 declares this,

"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. 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."

We are not to do the things they do. We are to be the NEW Creatures God made us to be. His Children. James warned us about being a friend of the World. James 4:4

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

Let the World be the World. Its Fate is sealed. Let the Dead bury their own Dead. Their Fate is sealed. Let them love Money, their Fate is sealed. Be the Child of God HE called you to be. Be a Prince or Princess of Heaven. Be an Ambassador. Be a Sower of the Seed. Tell the Truth.

If someone asks you to show them your papers? Show them your Works. As James told someone who asked for proof. James 2:18

"But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Jesus said,,

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."{Matthew 7:20}

What fruit?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: "{Galatians 5:22-23}

If someone claims that they are fellow Citizens, and yet, you see they are producing fruit that is,,,,

"Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:" {Galatians 5:19-21}

You know they are lying. They are of the World and NOT of God. Have nothing to do with people like this. Do not be conformed to, or become as, the World. You are above all that. God is your Daddy. You have Citizenship in Heaven. Your Treasure is in Heaven. Your Reward is in Heaven. You are on your way HOME. Be the Child of God you are. Produce good fruit. Do your Father's Will. Keep Jesus's sayings. Rest in the Fact, you are now what He says you are. A Stranger in a Strange Land. Your Home is not here. It is waiting for you to come.

Are you a Citizen of Heaven? 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 113

Psalm 113

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.

4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high,

6 Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

I Am Who HE Says I Am, Now

Who Are You NOW?

Last time we talked about who you really are. Who God sees you as. Remember? A Wretched Sinner. The Good News is simple. You do not have to stay this way. Remember the Prayer?

"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. When you leave here today, 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}

Now you have been Adopted into the Family of God. NOW and only NOW, after saying that Prayer, are you a Child of God.

2 Child of God.

Let's go back to Romans 8 starting at verse 9

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

Now, remember, you once walked in the flesh. Doing the deeds of the flesh, because that is Human Nature. Now that you are of the Spirit, you are no longer bound by the flesh. You are now a completely new Creature.

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Before you accepted the Spirit you were NOT a Child of God. But the Good News is, if you have accepted Jesus, you are now. Here is the Good News you should rejoice in.

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children 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."

Think about that for a second. Seriously. Imagine a Worldly Royal Family. You have the King, Queen, and the Kids. Who are the Kids? Prince and Princesses. They are Heirs to the Throne. All that their Family is, have, and Rule over, is theirs. They are next in line to inherit.

Now think about God. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End. The Creator and Ruler of all things. You have just become His Heirs. You are now part of the Family that is God. Your Daddy is the King of Kings. Think about that. Just let that settle into your Mind and Heart.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

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. Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

This you really need to get. Highlight in in your Bible. Write it down. Memorize it. Know that this is the Absolute Truth. This is who you are now. No matter what the World may say. No matter what anyone else may say. No matter what you may see happening at this present time. This is the Absolute Truth. Take comfort in knowing 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."

Think about that. The only reason you heard about God, Jesus, perhaps even stumbled upon this Blog, is because God CALLED you. I'll say that again. The only way you can find God, is if he CALLS you. He who he called, he sets up a plan and a purpose for their lives. Need more good news?

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other Creature, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. NOTHING! There is NOTHING that can steal away your Salvation. NOTHING can separate you from God from this point on. So why worry about your Neighbor? Why worry about your Boss and what they might think about what has just happened to you today? Why worry about much of anything?

You were once "dead man walking." Now you are a Child of God. You once were under the Law. Now, there is no Law. The Lord of Lords and the King of Kings is your Daddy. Rejoice and be glad about that. If you do not have a Bible, go get one. If you do not have a Church, Pray that God, your Daddy, leads you to one He wants you to be part of. Get to know Him. Get to know all the Good news and promises that now apply to YOU.

Jesus gives us, even more, Good News about being a Child of God. He says that as a Child of God, we should have no Fear whatsoever. He tells us this in Matthew 6:25-33

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

You are now a Child of God. He is your Daddy. You have nothing to fear. Nothing whatsoever. All you have to do is remember who your Daddy is. This is so very important now. Why? Because now you are a Stranger in a Strange Land. You are now in the World but no longer of it. More on this next time.

Remember, 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 are now Adopted into the Family of God. You are now His Child.

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 112

Psalm 112

1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.

9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

I Am Who HE Says I Am

Who are you?

1 A Wretched Sinner.

I am who He says I am. Have you ever thought of yourself this way? We are not who we may think of ourselves. We may not be the "Me" we see in the Mirror. God sees us in a certain way. Since He is God and we are not, since He is the one that Created us, we are without a doubt who HE says we are. This is what we will be talking about coming up for the next few weeks.

First, are you a Good Person? I always thought of myself as a Good Person. If you ask, most will look at the question in an Earthly, Worldly sense. They would reason it out. "Let's see, I haven't been arrested. I love my Spouse and Kids. I give to Charity, go to Church on Sunday, I try to never speak ill of anyone. Yes. I would say I was a good person."

In a sense, if looking at it strictly in a World sense, you would be right. However, remember what Jesus said when Peter called him "Good Master" in Matthew 19:17

"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

Jesus, the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the Lord himself, corrected it when he was called good. If Jesus did not consider himself as worthy to be called good. Then are you better than he?

Jesus was in the flesh, the same as we all are. Therefore the Temptations of the flesh were the same for Him. The Fruits of the flesh would have had the same result for Him if He had given in, as they would and do for all of us.

The Word declares the very distinct difference in walking in the Flesh and in the Spirit. According to Galatians 5:16-21

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

So what are the Fruits or Works of the flesh?

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

All these things Mankind, Men, and Women do, on a Daily bases. We were and still are, by the way, Wretched, Vile, Disgusting, Evil, Creatures. Devising plans to do Evil Things. Walking in the Flesh and the things of the Flesh are Natural. They are Human Nature. The end result of them all is the same. Death. Oh, Society may, and has, become numb to some of them. It may even have become Acceptable. Or at least seen as "no big deal." Even some have become Praised and Protected. But none of that changes the Fact of what these things are. Most of these are Self-explanatory. The others?

Lascivious? Characterized as or by expressing lust. Tending to incite lust. Look at the TV? Look at Movies. Go to the Malls and see how our young Women are dressing? The Internet? You get the point.

Sedition? Stirring up rebellion.
Revellings? To rebel or take much Merry in oneself.
Effeminate? Characterized by weakness, or Self-indulgence.
Covetous? Excessively desirous or something. Greedy.
Emulations? To try to surpass or become equal to something greater than you.

These are all the Fruits, or Works, of the fresh. The Works we do in the Flesh. These are the normal desires of one walking in the Flesh. 1st Corinthians 6:9-11 says it this way.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

So before you accept the Gift. Before you become a Child of God, you will do these things. Many of the Twelve did these things. These are the works of the Flesh. But wait? We are all God's Children. Right? Wrong. We are all God's Creation. Not all God's Children. Remember, Jesus makes this Statement about all. Everyone. John 3:16-18

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through 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."

You do not have to do anything. You do not have to Lie, Cheat, Steal, Murder, Dance Naked around a Fire and Worship the Devil. "Whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

In John 8, it tells the Story of how the Religious folks, those that thought they were holier than thou, asked Jesus why he said they were not of God. His answer may surprise some of you. Here it is. John 8:42-47

"Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

Especially those "born" into Religion, thought that we are all God's Children. Those said to be the Chosen Ones of God, just took it for granted, that they were Children of God. Again, this is Jesus Himself talking. Needless to say, some became highly offended by this. How could this Man tell them they are not of God? He told them the truth. He even told them this...

"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."

This is one of many things that Jesus told those who claimed to be God's Children and the Chosen Ones, that caused them to want to put him to death even the more. But Jesus is not concerned with what you are. He doesn't care where it is you come from. He doesn't care how much Money you have. He doesn't care what Man-Made Tradition, called Religion, you belong to. What he cares about is YOU. Who you are as a Person. What he cares about is a Personal Relationship with YOU.

Look at the people God chose? Noah got Drunk, David had an Affair and orchestrated a Murder, Moses was Disobedient, Miriam was a Gossip, Martha was a Worrier, Jonah ran from God, Peter was a Hot Head, Thomas was a Doubter, Matthew was a Tax Collector, but I think the best example is Paul.

The point is this. God is no respecter of persons. It doesn't matter what Religion you belong to. It does not matter what Social Class you belong to. It does not matter your Race. What matters is simple. What is your answer? What is your decision? Will you or won't you. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

What God cares about is what you are Willing to do NOW. Not your Past. Not your Sin. But are you willing to accept His Gift? Are you willing to change your ways? His desire is for you to get to know Him. To seek out Him and His will for your life. He does not consider what we feel is good, bad or, indifferent. He cares about YOU. He cares if you are willing to hear Him.

Remember we are all born into Sin. We do not have to do anything to be deserving of Hell and Damnation. We are born this way. Even though we are all sinners. God loves us. He wants to save us from ourselves. He wants a relationship with us.

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 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." {Romans 5:6-8}

Those that are in the Flesh, cannot please God. There is nothing you can do to win Favor in God's Eyes if you are walking in the Flesh. There is nothing you can do to be saved. No amount of what we call Good, can overcome the Sin we live in, just by being Born. So how do you become a Child of God? His gift. Accepting The Christ Jesus. In John 1:25-26

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

That's it. That's all there is to it. In John 14:12-18 Jesus gives us this good news.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

Once you receive Jesus, He receives you. He sends you the Spirit of Adoption. THEN, and only then, is it that you become a Child of God. Then and only then, can you Walk, not according to the Flesh, but the Spirit that is now in you. Say this prayer, in your own words.

"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}

Next time we will be discussing Who you are now.

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 111

Psalm 111

111 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Calm in Life's Storms, Loss of Life

Death is not something to be feared.

Not for Christians. Life on Earth is like everything else on Earth. Life on Earth is temporal. It is for but a time, then it is on to the next stage of existence. Death is as natural as birth. It is as natural as living itself. It will come to all living things.

I understand that many fear death. It is natural to fear the unknown. But it doesn't have to be the unknown. As a Child of God, you know what to expect. You should understand, that when that time comes for you, or a loved one, it is not a Punishment. It is not a Horrific Event. It comes because it must.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

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

In other words, Death will come. There is an Appointed Time. We all must face our Immortality in this Temporal World. Fear of what comes next. Jesus tells us what comes next in John 14:1-3

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

In Revelations, it tells us what the Capital, if you will, of the new Earth looks like. Revelation 21:1-27

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."

The end time. I want you to think about this. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." And "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Imagine that. It is a far better place to that of which we go, than this of which we live. A place where God Himself will wipe away our tears. A Place where there will be no more sorrow, pain, sickness, death itself. You see, it is appointed to man {Humans} to die twice. Yup. Twice.

The first is a physical death. The body will die. As stated in Ecclesiastes 3: 2

"A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"

The second is a spiritual death. The old man is put away. In Revelations, it declares.....

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

This is the aftermath of the White Throne Judgement.

Revelation 20:10-15

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

So let's look at the two deaths. And how do you get your name written in the Book of Life? First is obvious. A physical death. The Body fades away. From dust to dust. Every living thing faces this death. The second is Spiritual.

You must remember, because of one man, we have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. We are born into sin. We are born into the Family of the devil. We are NOT all children of God. We are all God's Creations. But not all Children.

"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." {John 3:15-18}

Remember, he was talking to the "Religious Folks" in John 8:43-45

"Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."

Just because they were religious, doesn't mean they were Saved. Doesn't mean that they were Children of God. He called them the Children of the devil. The only way you can become a Child of God is through the adoption of the Spirit. Romans 8:13-18

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children 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. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Then, and only then, can you be called a Child of God. Do you know for certain, you are, without a doubt, a Child of God? If not, please 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. More on that in a second. Say this Prayer.

"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 you need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. But 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} You have now officially died. You have allowed Jesus's death to be your death. Yet rather His Resurrection to be yours. Your name has now, this very minute, been written in the Book of Life. You are now saved.

John 14:4-31

"And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence."

From the beginning of Time, Man has sought out ways to extend his Life here on Earth. They seek Immortality. They want to live forever. However, would that be a blessing or a curse? Have you really thought about that?

We know that the Word declares "Absent the body, present with the Lord." If you do not leave your body? You can not be with the Lord. For the Lord and the Kingdom of Heaven is Spiritual. The body is material. It's physical. We are in physical bodies to enjoy this gift God gave us. Besides all that. How long would you want to live in a place where there IS sickness, disease, sorrow, pain, etc? One hundred years? Two hundred years?

Remember, for God, our time on Earth is nothing. Even time as we know it. The world as we know it WILL come to an end. In. 2 Peter 3:8-18

"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

This is why Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God. We are His Children, He will meet our needs. All this "Stuff" the World has to offer is nothing. It's here one moment and gone the next. As a Child of God, you ARE immortal. You are going to live forever.

But what about the sorrow we feel when a loved one passes on. I hate funerals. I really do. The person laying in the box is not there anymore. They are not at their own funeral. Funerals are for those left behind. The deceased is gone. If they were a Child of God, they are with Him. If they weren't. It's too late for them. Whatever God decides in the afterlife, is between them and God. I think the Word makes it pretty clear. But remember what Jesus said in Matthew 8:21-23

"And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him."

And in Luke 9:59-62

"And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Again, Jesus is telling us that once we become Children of God, nothing else matters. Those that did not accept the Spirit of adoption, they are dead already. They have no part in the Kingdom. But you do. You are a Child of God. You should never worry about the past. You have no past. You are a New Creature. A new Man. A new Woman. You ARE an Heir to the Kingdom of God. Your Name is written in the Book of Life. You should have no fear.

So when a Child of God, "dies" what really happens is that they are transformed. They leave the physical and become Spiritual. They go to a place where God Himself will wipe away their tears. Who is better off? Us? Or them? I submit to you, they are. By FAR.

Death is a time of Celebration for a Child of God. Of course, you will have sorrow. That is normal. I get sad if someone I love takes a trip. I miss them. I know I will see them again in time. But I miss them. When a loved one dies, they are simply taking a very long trip.

But the good news is, if they are a Child of God, as are you, you WILL see them again. Celebrate their passing, and look forward to seeing them again. Live on and seek first the Kingdom of God. Continue to spread the Word. Your time will come as well. As well will the time come for the end of everything. But as a Child of God, these things are not to be feared, but things to be looked forward to.

Until next time, be well, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!