Psalm 119

 Psalm 119

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.

53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law.

56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

57 Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words.

58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.

108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.

109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.

127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.

138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.

146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.

150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

151 Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth.

152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments.

157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness.

160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

169 Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word.

170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Be You

Everyone Else Is Taken. 

We all dream, and pretend, and play, Rockstar, Movie Star, Doctor, Policeman, Fire Fighter, ETC. When we are Children, we dream that we are the next Big Thing, the Champ, the Superstar, the most winning Race Car Driver, ETC. So what happens between Walking on the Moon, and Graduating High School? We grow up.

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." {1 Corinthians 13:11}

Not everyone is a Rockstar. Not everyone is the Heavyweight Champ. Not everyone will ever win a Nascar Race. For every Thousand or multiple Thousands of Wrestlers, there is only one Hulk Hogan. For the Thousands of Actors, there is only one Johnny Depp. There have been Thousands of Boxers, yet there will only ever be one Muhammad Ali.

Do you know why there are so many Auto Mechanics, Janitors, Garbagemen, and Teachers? Because not everyone is a Doctor, Scientist, Policemen, or Fire Fighters. If you do not like School all that much, and I really did not, don't be mad at the one who put in the time and became a Doctor.

There is an old saying, "Find a way to make money doing what you love, and you will never work a day in your life." My Paraphrase of course. But it is True. I love Writing. If I was getting paid to simply Write the Kid Books and Faith-Based stuff, it would never seem like Work. If I am Digging a Ditch, I will be miserable and will not last long at that Job.

Paul said this in Philippians 4:11-13

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Paul also while encouraging Timothy, he said this.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." {1 Timothy 6:6-12}

How can he make these Statements? Because he had Faith and found to be true, What Jesus was trying to teach us when He said this.

"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." {Matthew 6:31-33}

God Created you in a very specific way, in a very specific planned out, conscientious, way. The Word declares this in Psalm 139,

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them."

God took the time to number the very hairs on your Head {Luke 12:7} You are 6'5" of 5' tall. You are Blonde, Brunette, Redhead. You have Brown Eyes or Blue. You are who God Created you to be. Along with your Physical Attributes, God also gave you certain Gifts and or Skills.

You know what you are good at. Some People are People Persons. Some love Math and Numbers. Some LOVE Science. I love Science. Some absolutely love building things. The key to living a Content Life is doing what you LOVE doing.

I have known People in life that spend their entire lives trying to stay one foot out of the Grave. They work 10 plus hours a day. They made $19 Million Dollars this year, but they are obsessed with making $20 Million next year. Their 401 K is fat. Their Bank Account is Fat. Yet? It is not enough. They need more. So what they are on their third Marriage? So what they were never there to see their Kids grow up? Gotta make that money.

Fast forward. Deathbed. Not to be morbid. What are they saying? They are not saying "I wished I had made that extra Million. No. They say they regret NOT being there for their Kids. For their Wives. For their Families. The sad truth is, it is usually then, only in the end that they learn the Truth Jesus taught us when He said this.

"And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”" {Luke 12:15}

I have also known people, and I have been one, who go off to a Job that makes them physically sick to their stomachs. One that they absolutely HATE. Why? Gotta make that money. I remember clear as crystal the day I quit that Job. I remember going to Work, and seeing the typical garbage about to go on that went on every day, and I remember getting this in my Spirit. "Do you know why you are here? Why you keep coming here? Because you do not trust me. God" I remember the Holy Spirit brought this Passage to my remembrance.

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

So I took a leap of Faith and left. God Blessed me with a GREAT Job. One I ended up being at for over 11 years. Then God called me away from that one to serve Him on more Full-time bases. I am Blessed. I have a loving and Godly Wife. I have three Beautiful Children. I get to see them every day. I now have the freedom to go and do what God tells me too, whenever God tells me to. I discovered that God made me a Writer and a People Person. He gave me Wisdom and a desire to continuously learn all I can. He Called me to use these Gifts, not only in the World but also to Serve in the Kingdom. More about that next time. Today we are just going to stick to World Sense.

I am more than happy now. Oh, I have a thorn in my side that keeps me pretty humble, as Paul said he did as well. I also know that there is no other way than by the very Grace of God, are our daily needs are met and the Family is taken care of. Not by my hand. Not by my "Job." My abilities to do whatever better than someone else. No. It is by the Grace of God and His faithfulness to me, that our daily needs are met and the Family is taken care of.

Do I have Billions in the Bank? Nope. But the bills are Paid. Do I have a Manson with 15 rooms? Nope. But I have a House full of Love. Do I have a Job where I get Praise and Glory from Man? Nope, but I get Hugs and Cuddles from a Beautiful little Girl every morning. I get to watch my Sons grow into young Men. I get to spend time with a Woman who wants little more than to make me Happy. I AM truly Rich because I AM truly Content. Oh, and that 401 K? Don't have one. I have a 401 E And Eternal Retirement Plan. That is more than enough for me.

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 118

Psalm 118

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

2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4 Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

7 The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.

11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:

20 This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

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

Judgement Belongs To God.

We Love the Judge Others

But hate when we are Judged. Why? Mostly because we hate people pointing out our Flaws. For the most part, we know we have them and what they are. Do I struggle with Pron, as I heard "Bob" does and that is why his Wife left him with the Kids? No. However, do I have a tendency to Gossip? Yes. Do I suffer the Sin of Sexual Immorality? No. I am not living a Homosexual Lifestyle. Yet? Am I having sex before Marriage? Are you an Alcoholic? No? Great. Do you lie? Are you following Jesus? Or are you one of these that Jesus testified against when He said this. Mark 7:6

" And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;"

Do you get the point? The point is, we all Sin. We all fall short of the Glory of God. None of us are worthy of ANYTHING except Condemnation. For that, we are ALL well qualified. Therefore? James 4:11-12

"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"

Jesus told us plainly in Matthew 7:1-5

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Yet, we still love to Judge. "At least I am not like this one. At least I do not do this or that. Look at how they live. At least I am better than they." Well? Jesus gave us the answer to this one too.

"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."{ Luke 18:10-14}

If you are, to be honest with yourself, you know that you are a Sinner. A Wretched Sinner at that. Oh you may Honour your Mother and Father, but are you a Theif? Are you sure? Are you Tithing? God calls you a Thief if you are not.

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." {Malachi 3:8-10}

If you are a Lying Thief, and conducting Adultery in your Heart {Matthew 5:27-28}, then how are you going to Judge someone for their Sin? Luke 6:37-38

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Did you know that God sees all Sin as Equal? He sees that little Lie, equal to Murder. That Person, who you think is the worse possible scum of the Earth, might just become the next great Saint, leading countless others to Salvation. Ever hear of Paul?

Paul was Saul. Equal to a modern day Jihadists. His sole purpose of existing was to hunt down, Arrest, Abuse, and even Murder God's Chosen people in the name of his Religion. He was really good at it. He was praised by his own and feared everywhere. You would think that if anyone was deserving of Hell, it was without a doubt, Saul.

However, God had other plans. You can read the story of the conversion of Saul to Paul, who wrote a lot of the New Testimate that we read today, in Acts Chapters 8 and 9. This Evil Murderous Scum became the Saint to the Gentiles. God was able to change and use him because God can see into the very Heart of Man. Can you?

God is the Judge. Not me. Not you. God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."

God will. Not Man. Romans 2:6

"He will render to each one according to his works"

At the Great White Throne Judgement, God will Judge according to our own deeds.

"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done." {Revelation 20:12}

I know I am only worthy to Stand Blameless before God because someone else took my Blame for me. Someone else paid the Price for my Sins. Someone else, Died, rather rose again, so that I may not have to die, rather I will live forever with God in the Afterlife. Who did this for me? Jesus.

Trust me, you have Sinned more than you think. You may have even Sinned more than the one you are Judging. I say, do not even Judge Yourself. Simply humble yourself before God, and ask Him to forgive you for your Sins. Allow God to be the Judge.

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 117

Psalm 117

1 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.

Is Tithing Biblical? The Prosperity Gospel

Practical? Factual? Needed? 

What is Tithing? I LOVE Preaching this Message in Writing, Via the TAG Blog. I love Preaching this Message anonymously. I used to Preach this Message Via a Cassette Tape. Yup. I'm Dating myself. Point is, if you do not know me, and do not have any way to contact me, you have no way of giving me Money. Therefore, when I am talking about Tithes and Offerings, I cannot have an ulterior motive.

Too many times, we see Preachers on TV, wearing Thousand Dollar Suits, Gold Rings, and Watches, with a Mic in one hand, and the other outstretched, asking you for Money. The "Prosperity Gospel" is being Preached at an ever-increasing rate. "Give and God will Bless you. The More you give to the TV Preacher, the more God will Bless you." I was also actually in a Church when the Pastor of that Church got in the Pulpit and actually said, "You have to put God first in all things. Especially in your Finances. If you want to prove that you are putting God first with your Money, you should Tithe more than you pay in your Mortgage." Yeah, I left the Church shortly after that.

The Prosperity Gospel is COMPLETELY Unbiblical. It is a COMPLETE LIE. God is not an ATM. Nor is God going to make everyone who Tithes and gives Offerings a Million Dollars. Sorry. If you give that TV Preacher more money than you pay in Morgage, you will NOT coast through Life without a care in the World.

Having said all this, is Tithing in of itself Biblical? What IS Tithing anyway? We see the first Tithe in Genesis 14 start at verse 17.

"After Abram {that is Abraham} returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was the priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything."

This is the first time a Tithe is mentioned in the Bible. Abram or Abraham gave away Ten percent of his captured goods. It was Thanksgiving Offering to God on behalf of the people who had been Miraculously Rescued and brought home safely. Notice this, Abraham did not give this Ten Percent out of his own Possessions or Property. He gave out of his gain from the Battle. His "Salary" if you will. He did so in gratitude to and in recognition that without God, the Victory would not have been possible.

So this became a normal Practice in the Old Times. People started to Tithe Ten Percent of their Gains, for both Gratitude and Thanksgiving to God. It was also a way to ensure that all would be taken care of, even if someone was in lack. Jump ahead to Malachi 3:8-12

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you."

Why does God want this?

"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house."

This is the reason. Not for the Pastor to gain Riches. Not for those giving to gain Riches, but so that the Church has the ability to meet its needs and to meet the needs of the People less fortunate. Now we get to the point some Pastors are using to trick people into giving them Money.

"And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."

See? Give and God will make you Rich. Uh, no. First of all, we are not even talking about Money here.

"I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts."

God did not create our Financial System. We did. God does not need Money. We do. Instead of bringing in Grains, Cows, Chickens, Milk, Honey, Fruits, and Veggies, today's Modern Church needs Money to

1- Pay Bills. Lights, Heat, AC. ETC.

2- To buy Grains, Cows, Chickens, Milk, Honey, Fruits, and Veggies, AKA Food and meet the needs of those less fortunate. 

3- YES-To meet the Needs of the Pastor. The Pastor should not be part-time. He should not be in need and worrying about where his next meal will come from. He should be spending his time in the Word, in Prayer, and in the Care for others.

Electric is not free. Heat is not free. Food is not free. The Pastor's needs are not free. Again, not in God's System, but rather in ours. God promises us that if we DO Tithe, we do not ever have to worry about that 90 percent. That it will go far farther than that 100 percent ever will. That if we Bless others, by Blessing the Church, God will Bless us in all things. Not that we hit the Lotto tomorrow, but in Life itself. As a Child of God, it is our duty to do this. Remember this Passage? James 2:15-16

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

Seriously. If you say you are "Religous" and yet you do nothing but show up and listen to the Pastor, and go home, what do you accomplish for God? James 2:17

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

God does call for us to Tithe, which is Ten Percent, for no other reason than it is for the Good of those Tithing and for the good of those receiving. It is Practical, Factual, Needed. It should be something, like with Abraham, that we LONG to do. Something we do proudly and humbly.

Go to 2 Corinthians 9:6-14

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you."

Now, is there abuse in the Church? Of course. Are there Pastors and Church Officials that will take your Tithe and use it for their own gain? Yup. Just like bad Doctors, Police officers, Drug Company CEOs, Whatever, there are bad Pastors and Administrators in the Family of God. Does that change any of the reasons we need to Tithe and give Offerings? Nope. You are Obligated to Tithe. If that Pastor is misusing the Tithes, that is between him and God. Nothing you could ever do could compare to what God can and will do to a deceitful Person using Him and His Church for Selfish Gain.

Just to be clear, a Tithe is Ten Percent. An Offering, is anything more than Ten Percent. Example, if you make $1000.00 a Paycheck, your Tithe is $100.00. Not $90.00. Not $20.00. Not $120.00 Your Tithe IS $100.00. If you chose to, or God puts in on your Heart, to Give $120.00, then $100.00 is your Tithe, and $20.00 is your Offering.

Tithes and Offering are to ensure that all God's Children's Needs will be met. Food, Clothes, Shoes, a Roof over their Heads. ETC. Again it is to meet the Needs of the Church, Pastor, and People. So the next time you Give, do not give out of Obligation. Is it? Yup. Do not give out of Expectation. Does God lie? No. Will He Bless you? Of course. But God is not a Get Rich Quick Scheme. No. When you Give, do not do so out of Obligation, nor Expectations, rather do it, out of Love.

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 116

Psalm 116

1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.

12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

16 O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

19 In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

I Am Who He Says I am. The Sower of the Seed

You really do have an obligation. 

You were once a Sinner. A Wretched Sinner. One deserving and on your way to Hell. Jesus came and died for your Sins. God called you out of the World and to Jesus. You became Adopted into the Family of God and became 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."

We have become Strangers in a Strange Land and are called to be the Light in the Darkness. So now what? Now, do you just go on with Life and live and let live? Or rather live and let die is a more truthful Statement?

Truth is, now that you are a Child of God, God calls you a Sower of the Seed. You may very well be the only Jesus that some will ever see. The only Bible that some will ever open and read, or hear, The Word Of God. This is just a fact. You will meet people in your life, that I will never meet. Should they not hear the Truth as well?

One of the first people I ever talked to about the Truth and Salvation, is a former Pro Boxer. He went to Gyms and traveled for Fights. He knew people I would never, and have never, met. But he sees them every day. So it is up to him to tell them about the Truth. About the Gospel. It is up to YOU to tell those you meet.

What is a Sower of the Seed? In Mark 4:3-20

“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Now Jesus is attempting to encourage His Disciples and explain why some that hear the Truth, reject it. But even his Disciples didn't get what he was saying. So they had to ask Him...

"And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that

‘they may indeed see but not perceive,

and may indeed hear but not understand,

lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”

And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

You can also find the story in Matthew 13:3-23

He is telling us two things here. One, WE are the Sowers of the Seed. That we have been given a Gift, The Gift, that is so great, we should be sharing it with others. We have that obligation. If we do not then we should not expect any more. "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." God Blesses us to be a Blessing to others. Continuing in Mark 4:21-23

"And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

God gives us the Gift of Salvation. He gives us His Word. He blesses us Richly, in all ways. He says to us, "Occupy till I come."We should go out and share the Gospel. We share our Testimonies. We teach others the Truth according to God, and not of Man.

When we go out into the World, that Hates God, some will not listen. Some will not hear. But some will. The second thing Jesus was telling us is that we should not worry about those that do not hear. Do not waste our time with them. Sow the Seed, let it do what it does. Just keep Sowing.

The Law of Giving and Receiving covers many things. God gives you the Gift of Wisdom? What good is it if you do not share it with others? God gives you the Gift of Prophesy? What good does it do if you do not share it with others? What if John the Baptist, went into the Woods, and yet, never Baptized. Or Moses never came off the Mountain. Or someone like Paul, never shared the Truth?

God fills you to be ready to share with others. The more you do, the more God needs to fill you. You give of your Finances? God will Bless you and give you more money to give away. You share the Wisdom of His Word, God gives you MORE Wisdom to share. You Bless others, you, in turn, become Blessed. What good does it do, to receive, if you do nothing with it?

Some of you are thinking, yeah, but there are people who are just evil. People that can't be helped. I'm out there, Sowing the Seed, and these Evil Ones will be in the mix. They will be trying to stop the Seed from growing. They will be trying to stop me. Why would God allow this? If He wants me to Sow the Seed. Why do we have the Evil Ones attempting to stop it? Matthew 13:24-30

"He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’

God is telling you, do not worry about them. You worry about doing the right thing. You Sow the good Seed. Let God and the Reapers worry about the Tares. The Evil Ones.

But who am I? I can't do this. I'm no Preacher. I do not know diddly. Why would God want me? To tell people they are Sinners and need Repentance and Salvation? Who am I?" Matthew 4:18-22

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

Matthew 9:9?

"And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him."

Acts 9:1-6?

"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

God knows who you are. He created you. He knows what you have done. But when you accepted His gift of Salvation, accepted Jesus Sacrifice, the Spirit of Adoption, all that you have done in your life is wiped clean. Look at Saul. Now known as Paul. What have you done in your life that God can't forgive you of? Nothing.

What was once a Sinner, a Wretch, is dead. You are now a new Creature. A new Person. God has a Plan and a Destiny set up for YOU. He is calling you to fulfill it. He knows you better than you know yourself.

A Handyman I am not. I can fix anything that breaks in my house. I know numbers. I call others to fix it. That is how I fix it. I doubt very highly God would ever call me to build an Ark. Or a Temple. But what God does call me to do, that I can. He knows better than I. All you have to do is trust Him.

As a Child of God, you have an Obligation to share the Truth. Not all will accept it. Some will hate you for it. But this does not change what you should do. You do what you should do, God will do what He does. The people you share the Truth with, will hear or not. Will accept or not. Will be Saved or not. But it is the POWER of the Spirit. The POWER of the Truth. The POWER of God, that YOU possess.

Think about this. You have the Power to Bless and the Power to Curse. As a Child of God, that Power is limitless. Are you a Child of God? If you have not said that Prayer, say it now. In your own words if you chose, mean it from your heart.

"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 are also now the Sower of the Seed. Again remember, what good does it do, to receive, if you do nothing with it? Trust God to be wiser than you. Trust He knows what you are capable of. You will receive certain gifts, that are meant for you. Learn them, use them, but try to Sow the Seed wherever you may be.

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 115

Psalm 115

1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?

3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.

5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:

7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.

8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.

9 O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.

10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.

11 Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.

12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

13 He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great.

14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

15 Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.

16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.

18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.