Psalm 149

Psalm 149

1 Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;

7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;

8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Nehemiah

Jesus in Nehemiah

We are researching or searching the Scriptures in light of this Statement by Jesus Himself.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

We have come to the Book of Nehemiah. We open with this Revelation to Nehemiah.

“The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”

The Word declares that Nehemiah Wept. He loved the Holy City and God’s People so much that he found the Sad News difficult to hear. Much like we can say that God so loved the World despite the State it was, and still is, in, that He send His only Son into it. To a Sinful and Evil People. To allow them to abuse and Kill He Himself in the Flesh, in the Hope of saving all He could.

Then we see that Nehemiah Prayed, not for the World, but rather for God’s Chosen People.

“O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

Look at the Similarities in Jesus’s own Pray to the Father. He is also NOT Praying for the World, but for God’s Called and Chosen People. See John 17:6-26

“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself that they also may be sanctified in truth.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Now I have heard some say, that as Ezra was like Jesus in the last Book we read, and came to rebuild Jerusalem, in essence, Saving God’s People, Nehemiah going to rebuild the Walls of the City, is a type of Comforter. The name Nehemiah actually means ''Comfort.'' Jesus came to be the Saving help of His People; the Holy Spirit came as the Comforter to guide and strengthen His People.

We also see that not only did Nehemiah rebuild the Walls, but in Chapter 5, we see Nehemiah stops Oppression of the Poor.

“The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.” Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.”

Look at what Jesus tells those who thought they were doing the right thing, just like the Rulers of this time, that they were missing the Mark.

“And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God) then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

We see that Nehemiah was Generous, Needless to say, you cannot get more Generous than Jesus who laid down his Life for those who wanted to kill Him. He died for all of us. Paid the Price even though we were guilty unto death.

Nehemiah Loved, had Compassion, Prayed, went to where the People were. Restored, Comforted and Protected, Freed them from Bondage and Slavery, Jesus came Loved, had Compassion, Prayed, went to where the People were. Restored, Comforted and Protected, Freed them from Bondage and Slavery of Sin. Still does.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 148

Psalm 148

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

6 He hath also established them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.

Jesus in the Old Testament, Ezra

Jesus in Ezra

Jesus said in John 5:39.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,”

We have gone through The Torah, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles. We can clearly see Jesus in all these Books. This brings us to Ezra. If you have your Bibles, turn to Ezra. I will wait. Just joking folks. Truth is though, Ezra is not one of those Books that are on the tip of People’s Tongues. You rarely hear someone quote from it. Let’s look at it a bit closer today.

We begin in Ezra some 70 years after the Captivity of God’s People began and long since the destruction of the Temple and all in it.

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”

Cyrus issued a proclamation; and a Company of some of God’s People volunteered, led by Zerubbabel. They accomplish the rebuilding of the Altar, even offer Sacrifices, and begin to Construct a new Temple.

Sometime later we see Ezra, the Scribe, lead a second Company of People back to Jerusalem, bringing the Golden Vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had stolen from the Temple when it was destroyed. He is appointed by the King and becomes a Priest.

After the Return, Rebuild, and all is Completed, Ezra finds out about Interracial Marriages. In Ezra 9 we read this.

“After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. For they have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.” As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled.”

This was a direct violation of God’s Command to “come out and be separate.” He Prays for the People and for their Sin and calls the People to Repentance. They did this and even put away their Foreign Wives. Which brings us to the Book of Nehemiah.

Why did it take so long to complete what God Called Cyrus to do? Opposition from the World. He found Opposition on three fronts. First was the opposition of the Pessimists. You can read about this in Ezra 3. Second, was an attempt to sabotage the Work of God by claiming to be with God. See Ezra 4. The Third was a call to Compromise.

Look at True Faith vs Religion today. We have those who do not believe and do not want you spreading the Truth, AKA to them, “Lies, Hate, and Ignorance” to the Masses. Second, you have those who Claim to be coming in the Name of Christ, AKA ANY Church, Faith, or Religion that does NOT follow The Word of God dot and title. In other words, removing Christ as the Only Way, Truth, and Life. Denouncing Sin as Evil, and The Truth as Good. Openly denouncing God Himself and His Sovereignty.

Then, of course, you have those who call for Compromise. In the name of compassion. Think about Homosexuality. Think about Abortion. Think in the name of Inclusion.

However, God is the same Yesterday Today and Forevermore. We can take an example from the Book of Ezra on how to deal with these People. First, those who do not believe? Should we share the Truth with them? Of course. However, if they do not receive it, and some just will not, we are not to get in their Face, or even argue with them. Jesus Himself put it this way when sending those out to Preach the Good News.

“And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”” {Mark 6:11}

Go on. Continue. Do not be distracted or stopped. You are dealing with those who cannot even hear what you are saying. No matter how much you try. No matter how much you want them to. No matter how long you stay there Preaching, they will NEVER hear you. Why?

“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”” {John 8:42-47}

Some people will NEVER hear you. Why? “The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” So just simply continue on and do what you know God Called you to do.

Those that Pretend to be a “Christian,” yet compromise the Word of God constantly? They are not truly with you.

““You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.”” {Ezra 4:3}

Simply put, as Jesus said,

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” {Matthew 12:30}

As long as you are following God’s Word, His Way, and in Prayer you ask the Holy Spirit to guide your steps, you are good. You do not need to even listen to any kind of “Alternative Views.” There are no “Alternative Views” that are acceptable to God. There is NO GRAY AREA. Only Black and White, and sometimes Red. There is no other Gospel. No other Truth. No Other Way. No other Life. Do not be fooled. Do not Compromise the Truth. Even in the name of compassion.

This leads us to those that insist that we compromise our views and they usually attempt to use the concept of compassion to persuade us. They say things like this.

“What is possibly wrong with two people who are in love and want nothing more than to be accepted for who they are? They are good people. They give to Charities, help out in Food Kitchens. They even attend a Church that is more open-minded than you. They are just different than you. Besides all that, seriously think about this, what difference does it make to you who they love anyway? How does that affect you or your Marriage? Answer? It doesn’t. Right? Come on, It’s 2019. It is the Law. It is Reality. Homosexuality is here to stay. If you cannot accept that then you have a problem. You are hateful, judgemental, and completely against the whole concept of Jesus and a loving God.”

What does God’s Word say? Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few. Sorry. What is more Compassionate? Warning someone to stay away from the Fire so they do not get burned? Or stand by silently and watch them walk right into it because they feel that they will be ok? I submit to you, warning them is far more compassionate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 147

Psalm 147

1 Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.

10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.

13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.

14 He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

16 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.

20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord.

Jesus in the Old Testament, 1 & 2 Chronicles

Jesus in 1 & 2 Chronicles

As we dive into 1 Chronicles, we see that it repeat much of the History we read in 1 and 2 Kings. The events of 1 Chronicles parallel those of 2 Samuel, However,  they are seen through the eyes of the Priest rather than the Prophet. The main focus of 1 Chronicles is the History of Judah.

One of the first things we see is Genealogy. Why? If all the Word is put there by God for us, then it is important and we need to understand it. Why is it there? I read somewhere that there are three reasons. Makes sense to me. Here is what I read.

“First, they were of great benefit to the Jews who returned from captivity in Babylon. During this time of confusion, the Israelites were in danger of losing their family and tribal identities. The lists helped them maintain their distinctiveness.

Second, the genealogies impressed the Jews with the unity of God. As they returned from captivity, the Israelites saw in the genealogies that the God who had restored them was the ''one true God'' of their fathers.

Third, the genealogies were a demonstration of the divine purpose being worked out until Christ's coming. They helped complete the Bible story of our Savior, who was the son of David, the son of Judah, the son of Abraham, and the son of Adam. He took their humanity, ''yet without sin.''

Then as we continue we see it repeating much of what we already went over in past Books of the Old Testament. In Chapter 17 we see God’s Promise to David again.

“When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’””

This is a direct Promise of which Jesus later will fulfill.

Then in Chapter 28, we see Davids Charge to Solomon and in 29 Solomon is Anointed, King. Continuing into 2 Chronicles we see Solomon Pray for Wisdom and God Blessing him beyond any other.

You see, so far we see Jesus is Promised to come. We see His life reflected in David’s Life, The Temple. Solomon’s Life, as we have already discussed in detail. Remember Jesus even made the following Statement.

“The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:42

You can read of The Queen of Sheba in Chapter 9. Again we read of Solomon’s Wealth, although he sought to please God first and Prayed for Wisdom, God Blessed him with great Wealth. We read how we ought to live by Jesus Himself when He told us this in Matthew 6:25-34

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

Sometimes this is hard done than said. But read that last part again. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” If we are in God’s Will, and we are going about His Work, He will meet our every Need.

Jesus tells us this in Matthew 7:7-11

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

He called out His People. He Commanded David and Solomon very specific things and supplied their every need on which to accomplish them. As long as they were obedient and doing God’s Will that is. God will do the same for you. He HAS a Purpose and a Plan for you. He will supply every need you have to accomplish what He would like you to do. He is also willing to meet your every need. Simply put, Not only David, and Solomon, but all we read about in 1 and 2 Chronicles, in all the Word, and even you yourself, if you follow God,

“Jesus said to him, “‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37 – 40 

God will Bless you. Meet your Daily Needs, and you can truly have NO FEAR. If God is for you, who can be against you?

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As we read 1 & 2 Chronicles, we are reminded of the Greatness of God, His Faithfulness to those of us that are Faithful to Him. We also should be encouraged that even though they were beyond Blessed, they did not have The Holy Spirit as we do now. We are truly Blessed if you believe in Jesus. Jesus most Definitely believes in you. Next up Ezra.

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 146

Psalm 146

1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

2 While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:

6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:

8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:

9 The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

10 The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.

Jesus in the Old Testament, 1 Kings

1 Kings

Hello and welcome today. Today we are continuing in our journey through the entire Old Testament in light of this Statement made by Jesus Himself.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” {John 5:39}

Today we enter into 1 Kings and see how Jesus is Portrayed as The Reigning King typified in the life of Solomon. First, understand that the name Solomon means ''Peace.'' His reign is a type or picture of that Reign of Peace by Him who is greater than Solomon.

Solomon was Famous for a few outstanding points. The main of which is Wisdom.

There was no other Ruler next to Jesus, that could even be compared to Solomon in Wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:5 We see God offer Solomon ANYTHING he could even ask for.

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.””

1 Kings 3:9-12 we see this take place.

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.””

Solomon could have asked for anything. God would have granted him anything. He asked for Wisdom. So God gave him Wisdom. And God even tells us this.

“so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you”

Then He says this to Solomon.

“I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Jesus of course is not just a Man but God Himself in the Flesh and He tells us this. That as long as we walk in his ways, and do the will of the Father, we shall have no reason to fear anything.

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

We see that Solomon builds the Temple that David had in his heart to do. We see God enter the temple in Chapter 8. We also see Solomon's Prayer of Dedication 8:22-53, which if you truly read it and understand what Solomon is saying, you can see “The Lord’s Prayer” pretty clearly. Jesus said,

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Your Bible may end with this

“For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen”

We see like Solomon did, Jesus tells us to,

1-Worship and praise God for who He is and all that He has done
2-Acknowledge that it is God’s will and plans are in control and not our own
3-Ask God for the things that we need
4-Confess our sins and repent
5-Request protection and help in overcoming sin and Satan's attacks on us
6-Wrapping it up with giving more Praise to God.

We see God accepting this and moved into the Temple. Jesus made us the Temple of God and once approved by God by the accepting Jesus’s Sacrifice for us, that God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, will move into us.

As Solomon Reigned during his time, it was a time of Peace. We see the Prophet Micah say this about Jesus.

“He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken."

We see that Jesus will reign in this Peace for a Thousand Years in Revelations 20.

Then in Chapter 17, we meet Elijah. Elijah came during a falling away. A time of Sin. People turning away from Religion, Faith, and God and turning more into themselves, to serve the Flesh and Sin. When Jesus returns, HE will come in a similar time. Take a look around and tell me, what do you see?

God used Elijah to judge and condemn those who were living in Sin without repentance and Jesus will do the same upon His return, Judging all those according to their own Works and Deeds.

We do see this absolute Truth portrayed in 1 Kings. A Government that leaves God out, for any reason whatsoever, whether it be a Dictatorship or even a Democracy, is doomed to failure. Government by Man always ends in disorder. Yet even though all of Earth may disintegrate, the Throne of Heaven will abide forever.

Jesus even say s to us in Matthew 24:35

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

God Promised David that there would be one seated on His Throne forever, Jesus fulfills this, solidifying it via the Resurrection from the Dead. Even though they tore down the Temple of God, Jesus lifted it up in three days, and we are now that very Temple.

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 145

Psalm 145

1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

14 The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20 The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.