In All Things, At All Times

God is with you always.

Many of you know the beautiful poem, "Footprints." If not, here it is.

"One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

The Author is disputed and often we see "Author Unknown" at the bottom. Yet, it could have been inspired by God Himself. Look at Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Jesus tells us this in John 14:18-20

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you."

We are told to always remember this in Hebrews 13:5-6

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

In those times of distress and trials and tribulations, when there is only one set of footprints, He is carrying you. However, in all, say "all." In all other times, He is with you. He is there during the good times, most of which come from Him, to begin with. He is there in harder times. He is there in those times when you think you are all alone. Think about that for a second. He is always there.

In turn, or because of this fact, we should.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3

Why?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

We need to always be thinking of God. Our Father. Not just our Creator, and Lord of lords, God of gods, and the great "I am," but He is now your Daddy. Pauls tells us in Romans 12:12

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

We have to have the right mind. If we are like everyone else, those who have no hope, then we will be susceptible to the same things they are. Worry, fear, pain, sorrow. We do not have to have this same mind. We do not have to worry.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Isaiah 26:3 tells us this.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you."

God is your Daddy. He is there when you wake up. He is there when you eat breakfast or don't. Shower and get ready? He is with you. Go out the door? He is with you. Work, School, or play? He is with you. It is not a parttime, only in Church on Sunday concept or idea, or thing. He is with us always. In all things. During all things. He is there. He is God.

Do not ever forget this. Yes. Of course. He is always there, parting seas, calming storms, healing sickness, and casting demons away out of your life, carrying you even if He must. He is also there all other times. Read the Word. Pray, and always think about Him.

If you have never done this, try it. Sometimes, people think about Prayer as this holier than anything, grand procedure, that one must be skilled with the knowledge of how to do it. It really is not this way. We will be discussing Pray more next time. But it is simply a conversation. Talk to God. Yes yes, get up and say your 5-minute obligated prayer in the morning. How about on your way to work? At work? How about something you see that you would instantly want to share with someone. Share with Him. "God? Did you see that?" Or "Daddy, can I please get through this meeting today." Or something like "God, thank you so much for this coffee. It is really good." Any and everything is worthy to share with God and to also help you to remember, HE is always with you.

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 18

Matthew 18

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

“Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Do your Part

Not complete without you. 

Hey folks,

We are going to do things a bit differently today. I know I know, It's not even Sunday. We are basically, just going to talk. For the first time in history, the World shut down. Seriously. The entire World shut down. For the first time since it's founding, the Church closed its doors.

Some may argue that this was done out of fear. Some may argue that it was done out of logic and in the hope of the protection of the masses. It was done for the "greater good." It no longer matters the reason it was done. It simply was.

We are now in a time where the real true danger if it was even as dangerous as they claimed, is subsiding and the virus has in essence, run its course. Like the regular flu. It came and it is going. Will it change? Mutate? Become a different strain? Most likely. Is this a reason than to keep everything closed down indefinitely? No. Of course not.

The sad truth is, right, wrong, or indifferent, what started out to be for our "greater good" has now been warped into total and absolute control of the masses. Nowhere in the Constitution of America does it grant authority to the Government to tell you to stay home. Nowhere does it tell Government that they can dictate to private businesses who can open and who can't. Most definitely not Churches.

As a matter of fact, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;" First Amendment to our Constitution. However, they did it. As with all the rest, they were able to do it because the vast majority of people went along with it.

Again, I totally understand why most went along with it. I myself, have many health issues, and I need to be careful on a regular bases. I take precautions all the time when there is a threat. I get this. However, it is now nothing more than total and absolute power grab from those who would like to retain this control. They would love it if they could keep the Church doors closed. They would love it if they could continue to dictate which businesses can open and how they operated and which ones stay closed. They would love to have the authority to continue to tell you to stay home. Why do they continue to push for more and more money to be given out? So you will stay home happy.

Since this whole thing began, more and more Churches went online. My Church, Ascent Church did this as well. What may have been negative, God turned into a positive, and more and more people are hearing the Word of God.

This brings us to where we are today. We are trying to reopen the country. Those in power are attempting to keep the power as long as they can. It no longer truly has anything to do with the "Greater Good." It really and truly has nothing to do with the Pandemic. It is now simply a matter of control. This is why we need to all come together and do our part. We are the pieces of the puzzle. Without all of us working together, we will remain scattered on the floor.

If you can, go back to work. If you can, go to your favorite restaurant if it is open, or your favorite local business, if it is open. If your Church is trying to open, get off the couch, and go. If your tithe and offerings have been backing up, give online like here. I do not collect tithe and offerings for this Blog. What I freely get, I freely give. However, Churches need money to pay bills and to help others. This is why it is so important to continue to give even in this time. So if this Blog blesses you in any way, and you want to give, then please feel free to do so here. However?

 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?  For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:24-31

It is really easy to get complacent and think everything is ok. Sit at home, watch your favorite TV show and then, oh wait, turn on YouTube, Facebook, or whatever, it's time for Church? That was good, on to the next show. Honey, can you get me a coffee?

We NEED to come back together. We need to lean on each other. We need to learn from each other and hear the Word in person. We need to BE the Children of God we are meant to be. Remember, one of the most important and effective tools in warfare is "dived and conquer." They tried to divide us. They scattered us onto the ground in many pieces. They are trying to now conquer us.

We are not the world. We do not belong to the world. We are the Church. Each of us is another little piece in the overall picture. As the Word declares in Romans 12:4-8

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

The body needs to be whole again. You are the last piece of the puzzle. You need to come and take your place so the Body of Christ, and the picture of perfection, can become complete.

If you want to 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! 

Hunger for God

Not just man-made traditions called religion. 

Someone told me about Jesus. They told be John 3:16. They even brought me to church. I believe. I accepted Jesus. I am saved. But I will tell you what. I am working so hard. I really do not have time to go to church every week. Bible Study? What you mean to go to church more than once a week? I really might like to but, you know, I'm working, my kids have stuff all the time. My spouse is not really into it. But I try to Pray, uh, when I can. I try to make it to church on Sundays. I'm, you know, trying to do my part.

This is not God's plan. This is not a concept or ideal that actually makes any sense whatsoever. This is walking in the flesh and not by faith. This is living for the world and not for God. This is not the image of someone hungry for God.

Turn all the way back to Deuteronomy 6:5. This is God talking here.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Jesus quotes this when He said this. Matthew 22:36-37

"And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment."

What does this mean? It means that you are to "Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,"

Does that mean that we put it in this order? Job, Family, and Faith? No. Not even close. Jesus told us that we should seek God before we look for cloths, even our earthly food, and drink. Matthew 6:33

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Ok, ok, I get it. God should be important. I should spend more time praying and uh, going to church, and uh, what? No. You are still not getting it. It should not be, nor does God want it to be, a chore. A task. He does not want you to put Him first just because. YOU should want to put Him first, if not for any other reason, what He did for you.

He created you. Gave you the life you have now.

He laid down His Godhood and came to earth as a helpless little child, to grow and die for you.

He saved you from an incomprehensible existence of torture and pain.

He loves you.

The God of all of creation has made it possible for you, yes you, to be adopted into His family and call Him "Daddy."

Look at how Moses responded to God. God said Moses found favor in His sight. Moses responded this way Exodus 33:13

"Now, therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight."

God said I love you. You are important to me. I see you for who and what you are. Moses said, if this is true, then please show me your ways. Teach me your ways, so that I will always remain this way in your sight.

Moses was already "saved," if you will. He was already blessed by God and already favored by God because of faithfulness. Yet? Moses was hungry for God. He hungered for God's knowledge. He wanted to make sure that he did not sin against God. He felt, and he is correct, that the only way to stay in God's favor is to know what God expects, likes and hates, and how to stay away from sin.

Ever violated a law or rule, at work or elsewhere, that you were not aware of? What is that old saying? "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." If you violate a law or rule, you are still guilty if you know it or not. You need to learn what they are in order to follow them.

We should have the desire, the hunger, to learn all we can about God, His Word, and His way. Jesus Himself told us this in His sermon on the mount Matthew 5:6

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Moses was hungry for God. He did not have Jesus. He did not have the Holy Spirit that we are blessed with the ability to receive. He was asking God to show him God's way. God gave us Jesus. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told us that HE is who we should be hungering for. He said this in John 6:32

"Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.."

He clarifies what He means in verse 35

"Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.""

Nothing else should be more important. We should be living our lives in this order. Faith, family, and freedom. Jobs? A distant fourth, if that. God should be where we put our trust, love, and respect. We should hunger for Him and His Word, and His will for our lives.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

You should not have to have someone tell you anything. God can and will talk with you, teach you, answer your Prayer. One on one. He created all things and He created you, gave you the ability to become a child of His. Trust in Him. Hunger for Him. Thirst for Him. Again,

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 17

Matthew 17

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Kiss the Son

Kiss the Son

You have no idea, how hard it was for me to find an image of kissing Jesus that was NOT Judas. Seriously. Every image I found was that of Judas betraying Jesus. So I guess, kissing Jesus is a bad thing? Nope. We are actually told to "Kiss the Son."

“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2:12

John Richardson, Bishop of Ardagh, 1655 said that there are three reasons to kiss in the Bible.

Sign of love and two being equal, Jacob and Esau {Genesis 33:4} “But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” Jonathan and David {1 Samuel 20} “And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most.” WE are to {Romans 16:16} “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” Also in 1 Corinthians 16:20

Sign of being in subjection to someone. Samuel and Saul. When Samuel anointed Saul King, he kissed him. {1 Samuel 10:1} “Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage.”

Of religious adoration in worshippers. People who kissed Baal {1 Kings 19:18} “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” Job talking about worshiping himself. {Job 31:27} “and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand”

The Word declares

“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

It does not say, “Accept His sacrifice.” Merely “Believe in Him.” Or even just “Accept Him.” No, David tells us we should “Kiss the Son.” Why? Same three reasons.

1-To show that we understand the Word, and we have become equals with Him. This is Jesus we are talking about. The Word declares this.

“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:12-17

We are now Children of God, and therefore, equal to Jesus Himself. Not because we are so smart or good, but because He now lives in us.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” John 14:18-19

Although we have Him, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the God of all Creation, IN US, and through this, we have become equal to Jesus and even more powerful, wait, don’t believe me?

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

Remember,

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

We are not to think of ourselves as greater than anyone else, but we are to have the same mind as Christ.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

2 - We are to Kiss the Son to show our subjection to Him. He is our Lord and our Saviour. Should we not want to kiss His face, when we fully understand all that he went through for us? Which also leads us to reason three.

3 - Out of love and Worship. He is the God of all Creation.

We should “Kiss the Son.” Why? For those reasons. Why else?

“lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.”

Wait, what does that mean? God will be angry with us if we do not “Kiss the Son?” YES!

“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,” Exodus 20:5

To make it more clear? Exodus 34:14

“for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”

Think about this. John 3:16. God so loved us, He sent His only Son to come to earth and die for us. Think about what Jesus actually did. He laid down His Godhead, and came to earth and took the form of a little helpless baby. He grew up and worked with His hands to feed Himself and taught people that there is a far better way and those that find it will live forever in peace and happiness with their Creator. He did not sin. He harmed no one. Yet He allowed the people HE created, to make fun of Him, torture Him, and Kill Him for no other reason than that of love. To save us from ourselves.

All He asks? Is that we embrace Him. Kiss Him. Be his fellow servant in doing the Will and work of the Father God. If you can not see what God did, and or, you refuse to “Kiss the Son,” do you really think that God will be ok with it? But then continue on. What does it say if you do?

"Blessed are all who take refuge in him”

Look at this in Psalms.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3

We see the future in Jeremiah 16:19

“O Lord, my strength and my stronghold, And my refuge in the day of distress, To You the Nations will come From the ends of the earth and say, “Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood, Futility and things of no profit.””

In that day,

“for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”” Romans 14:11

Every. Say “every.” Those that believe in God yet do not accept Jesus. Every member of every religion. Agnostics, Atheists, and yes, even us, “every.” Like watching a world event take place standing next to your family, we will be standing next to our family, big brother Jesus, God our Daddy, and all our brothers, sisters, and mothers in Christ, when this world event takes place. Why? Because we have “Kissed the Son.”

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 16

Matthew 16

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.  He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’  And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

The Mark of the Beast

Why there?

Let's take a little break from the uncertain time we are living, and look at something many people have wondered over the years. Why? Why are we going to be forced, resist if you need to, to your very death, but forced to take the Mark of the beast on the forehead or the back of your hand?

"And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also, it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666." Revelation 13:15-18

We are not going to get into the whole argument of bar code verse actual number 666. What we are going to look at is why the back of the hand or forehead? It pretty much makes it clear we will be required to receive the mark to " buy or sell" without it we will not be able to. There will be no more cash only. Cash only will be turned into NOTB {Number of the beast} only. No NOTB? No food, or goods. No paying bills, or getting paid for work.

However, if you think it will be ok to get the mark to survive? Keep reading in Revelations.

"And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Revelation 14:11

And? Revelations 16:2, Revelations 19:20 says this.

"And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur."

Also, see Revelations 20:4. Yes, you will not be able to do much without the Mark, yet, you will not be able to go to Heaven with it. So think long and hard and know this, you do not want to receive the Mark. Not as a Child of God. You must trust in God to supply all your needs, both now, and then, or trust that He will bring you home before this time.

But why? Why on the back of your hand or forehead? Ever wonder that? Why specifically there? why not somewhere less conspicuous? Well? Here is something to complicate. Who is the beast? Yes, that would be the "Anti-Christ" What is the Antichrist? He is going to come, imitating God Himself. So say like a mirror image. Looks like, may act like, but is reversed. Appearing to be right, but really wrong. Seemingly being good, solving world war, famine, sickness, etc. Yer he will be pure evil.

Look at this passage in Revelations

"One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast." Revelation 13:3

Again, he will come, imitating God. Jesus. He will even be believed by some as Jesus's second coming. Remember, Jesus was crucified and yet lives. The Beast will imitate this. He will be "killed" yet he will live. He will heal sick. He will bring peace. He will do many things some consider to be good. As a matter of fact, Jesus even tells us that he will be so good at this the even some of God's "elect" will be deceived.

"For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:24

No. I did not forget. Why the back of the hand, or the forehead? Turn your Bible to the second book. Exodus. Exodus 13:8-9

"You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth."

Look at the Ten Commandments.

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." Deuteronomy 6:7-8

Then this?

"“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:2-3

God sets you free from bondage and sin. The first time this phrase is used is in the second book in the Bible, which is after the Passover where God says do this. Why?

"‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’"

Now you may be saying that you were never in Egypt. You may think you were never in bondage. This is simply not true. You were in bondage to sin. You were a slave to sin. On your way to hell. On your way to be "thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur." He set you free.

Now the Antichrist comes and wants you to receive his mark, in substitute to God's word. to do what? EVERYTHING. He wants to put you right back into slavery. Into bondage. Think about this. You have to make a conscious decision to reject the Word of God and receive the mark of the beast, in the same exact location God said

"And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes,"

Do not be fooled. Do not receive the mark anywhere, but just in case you were wondering what there? Well, kinda makes sense. Does it not? 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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!

Book of Matthew, Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?  For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.'  But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.”  And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”And he answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?”And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

Now More Than Ever?

Assisting the poor.

Let us start out by getting real. You are not poor. You are actually a "one-percenter." Not joking. If you make at least $50,000 grand a year, you are in the top one percent of the wealthiest people in the world. If you make just $10,000 a year you are some of the richest people to ever walk the earth. More than a third of people on earth live on less than $2 a day. 1.2 billion live on less than $1.25.

Think about this. If you are "poor" in this country, you still have a roof over your head. Electricity, running water, heat, and AC, food on the table, oh, and TV, Cellphones, Cloths sitting around we never wear, and one to two cars in the Driveway. Here is a statistic for ya. Americans spend roughly $465 BILLION every Christmas. The amount American consumers spend buying stuff at the holidays is greater than the GDP of some of the world’s poorest countries.

I know I know, some are going to get offended by this. But it is simply the truth. What are you doing with all your wealth? Do you call yourself a Christian and refuse to Tithe? Do you call yourself a Christian and refuse to help the poor? Are you sure you are a Christian? See? I told you some of you may be offended.

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18

How are you any different from a sinner if you are allowing greed and or fear to keep you from helping those less fortunate than you. James put's it this way.

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 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? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:14-17

Contrary to some's beliefs, it does not really matter how much you "care." It does not matter how much you 'feel." It does not even matter how much you "know." It matters only in what you DO. Empathy alone does nothing. "Oh, I know how that feels to be hungry and homeless. I hope someone does something about it." That statement means nothing. What are YOU going to do about it?

Did you know that this was one of the main reasons God destroyed Sodom?

"Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49

Yes. It was also due to Homosexuality. But that was just one of the many sins. God was also concerned with the fact they did nothing to help the poor.

" Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

Without God, we would have nothing. Therefore, because of God, we should share what we have. We bless because He blessed us. This is why it is so important to freely and happily give our Tithes and Offerings. Why? Because the church is doing just this.

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13

You do not want to go downtown and hand out food to the homeless? I understand. It could be dangerous. Perhaps where you live, you do not really see a need. Trust me, there are many needs out there. Your Church knows the needs and they are trying to meet those needs. But they cannot do it without you. I know I know, some say you work too hard to just give it away. Look at this passage Ephesians 4:27-28

"and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."

Look at this passage a little closer. What does that last part say? "so that he may have something to share with anyone in need." Again? "So that." say "so that." Meaning work 'so that" or so you have, or to, "share with anyone in need." Does it say "work to pay bills?" No. Does it say "Work for a new car?" No. It actually says, "doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."

I can hear some of you. I can. "This is talking about a redemptive thief. That is not me." Really? Are you sure about that?

"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." Malachi 3:8-10

Stop there for a second. Does it say, bring in tithes to make the Pastor Rich? Nope. Does it say to bring in tithes so that you no longer have 100 percent for duty and penalty, as required by religion? Nope. It says "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house."

Look, seriously, let's get real. Your church is a very real place with very real needs, just like you. The Pastor needs to pay the light bill, AC, Heat, Water Bill, etc. The Pastor needs to be able to eat as well and feed the poor. The Pastor needs to be able to reach out to those in need in various ways. If the Pastor decides to misuse the tithes and offerings you supply them, it is then between them and God. You? You have met your needs. You have done your duty. You are good with God. As a matter of fact, He even dares you to do it.

"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

Again, I understand some may become offended at this. But you are called a thief if you are not tithing. Which is a full ten percent, by the way.

So please understand, that now more than ever, you NEED to do your part. You NEED to help those in need. The best way to do that right now, during this time of Pandemic and Quarantine, is to make sure you keep doing your obligation and tithe and give offerings to your local church. There are often many ways to give. Please do so. In doing so, you will be blessed and God will be with you. Always.

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 heal 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 and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. 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 just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you 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!