People are Watching, So is God

  Act as if they are not

They really are. Sometimes, we see it. Sometimes we feel it. Sometimes, we have no clue. However, people are always watching you. Sometimes, they like what they see. Sometimes, they are simply curious. Sometimes, they are looking to find fault. Whatever the reason, make no mistake about it, people ARE watching.

Last time we talked about how God wants us to be the spotlight. To be the light of the world. To shine brightly. What He does NOT want us to do, is to dance in the spotlight for all to see. Wait. What does that mean? How can we be the spotlight, and not be seen in the spotlight?

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4

This is why I never fill out that tax form at the end of the year. I do not really want a man-made record of my giving. I give what I can, sometimes more than I can if I feel lead to do so. Let's be honest, sometimes I fall short on this as well. However, I do not want mankind saying how great a person I am because I gave out of my abundance to someone who has nothing. I want to be blessed by God because I was obedient to Him. "so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Who would you rather be rewarded by? Mankind, or God?

Jesus goes on to tell us this.

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6

Why do this? Why should we actually keep our prayers secret? "And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." This is right before He gave us the "Our Father Prayer." Which of course we messed up too. Jesus tells us.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew6:7-8

The KJ version says it this way.

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

Vain repetitions, empty phrases. I have been in churches that you go in, sit, stand, sit, stand, sit, and repeat the same old "prayer" as everyone else does. 

"Welcome today, come in. Good to see ya."
Congregation arrives.
"Please stand"
Congregation stands.
"Goodwill to you, goodwill to me, goodwill to all, peace on earth. Amen." "God be with you."
Congregation "Also with you."
"Please be seated."
"Today I want to talk about the Church's teachings on Women wearing Pants. In 1860, our great leader, Father Notta Real Person, said Women need to honor their Husbands and God. They shall wear dresses and cover their heads. Men should wear trousers, and honor their Wives. So saith the Lord."

"Please Stand"
Congregation Stands.
"Goodwill to you, goodwill to me, goodwill to all, peace on earth. Amen." "God be with you."
Congregation "Also with you."
Congregation sits.
"I understand that we have gotten away from these traditional teachings of Father Person, and society may see things differently. But we know that God doesn't care about society. If you follow what the Church says on this manor, you will be just fine. You are all absolved of your Sins. May you have a great week."
Congregation stands.
"Goodwill to you, goodwill to me, goodwill to all, peace on earth. Amen." "God be with you."
Congregation "Also with you."
Congregation leaves, shaking hands on the way out.

Back to Football, BBQs, Shopping, life in general...Until next week. Is this really Church? Are you really praying for anything? Did you learn God's purpose and plan for your local church and or your own life? Was the hungry fed? The lost found? What fruit did that produce? What did you actually do?

Some people do this and they feel good. "I said my prayers. I went to church. I checked my boxes. I'm good till next week." Monday comes around and they are back to cussing out their coworkers, gossiping, backstabbing, cussing out those other drivers in traffic. Drinking, smoking, and watching things that may not be, uh, beneficial to their spiritual growth.

Gotta work. Yeah, I understand that. That is not what I am saying. Although, there is far more to life than working 8 to 10 hours a day, to make other people money and pay bills. Jesus tells us this.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

If you are blessed enough to have a job, what are you doing with the money you are being blessed with? Are you just struggling to pay bills or are you blessing others? Are you tithing? Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? That really is a good measuring stick for you. What are you spending most of your money on?

God has one desire as to how we look to others. He wants us to be the light. Oh, you may look great to others. "Look at this guy. He goes to church every time the door is open. He gives hundreds of dollars to the poor. Look at this guy."

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

You cannot fool God. You cannot play a role forever. People may like what they see. They may even cheer you on as you dance in the spotlight for all to see. But in reality, are you actually BEING the spotlight? Are you BEING a child of God? Are you just dancing? Take some time and really think about it. Examine yourself. What fruit are you producing? How are you doing in sharing the Gospel? What have you done for God lately? If you think perhaps, you have been liking the spotlight more so than being that very light? May I suggest it is time to refocus. People ARE watching. So is God.

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose 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 that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall 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 Isaiah, Chapter 33

 Chapter 33

O Lord, Be Gracious to Us

1 Ah, you destroyer,

    who yourself have not been destroyed,

you traitor,

    whom none has betrayed!

When you have ceased to destroy,

    you will be destroyed;

and when you have finished betraying,

    they will betray you.

2 O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you.

    Be our arm every morning,

    our salvation in the time of trouble.

3 At the tumultuous noise peoples flee;

    when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered,

4 and your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers;

    as locusts leap, it is leapt upon.

5 The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;

    he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness,

6 and he will be the stability of your times,

    abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge;

    the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.

7 Behold, their heroes cry in the streets;

    the envoys of peace weep bitterly.

8 The highways lie waste;

    the traveler ceases.

Covenants are broken;

    cities are despised;

    there is no regard for man.

9 The land mourns and languishes;

    Lebanon is confounded and withers away;

Sharon is like a desert,

    and Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves.

10 “Now I will arise,” says the Lord,

    “now I will lift myself up;

    now I will be exalted.

11 You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble;

    your breath is a fire that will consume you.

12 And the peoples will be as if burned to lime,

    like thorns cut down, that are burned in the fire.”

13 Hear, you who are far off, what I have done;

    and you who are near, acknowledge my might.

14 The sinners in Zion are afraid;

    trembling has seized the godless:

“Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire?

    Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?”

15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,

    who despises the gain of oppressions,

who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe,

    who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed

    and shuts his eyes from looking on evil,

16 he will dwell on the heights;

    his place of defense will be the fortresses of rocks;

    his bread will be given him; his water will be sure.

17 Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty;

    they will see a land that stretches afar.

18 Your heart will muse on the terror:

    “Where is he who counted, where is he who weighed the tribute?

    Where is he who counted the towers?”

19 You will see no more the insolent people,

    the people of an obscure speech that you cannot comprehend,

    stammering in a tongue that you cannot understand.

20 Behold Zion, the city of our appointed feasts!

    Your eyes will see Jerusalem,

    an untroubled habitation, an immovable tent,

whose stakes will never be plucked up,

    nor will any of its cords be broken.

21 But there the Lord in majesty will be for us

    a place of broad rivers and streams,

where no galley with oars can go,

    nor majestic ship can pass.

22 For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver;

    the Lord is our king; he will save us.

23 Your cords hang loose;

    they cannot hold the mast firm in its place

    or keep the sail spread out.

Then prey and spoil in abundance will be divided;

    even the lame will take the prey.

24 And no inhabitant will say, “I am sick”;

    the people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity.

People are Watching, The Spotlight

 Do not dance in the spotlight

My old boss and good friend, Chief George A. Rowley, would always tell us this nugget of wisdom.

"Always act as if you are in the spotlight. Always act as if someone is watching you. They most likely are watching you. If you do this, you will always do the right thing."

There is a lot of wisdom in this. He told us this in the early nineties before there were cameras in everyone's hand and on every corner and store. He is correct. When you know someone is watching, you act the way you believe you should.

Jesus tells us this.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Paul gives us this advice in his letter to the Church in Rome.

"Besides this, you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Romans 13:11-14

We ARE children of God. We should be different than those who are not. We should be living our lives as living examples of God's love, mercy, and grace. We should always stand out a bit. People should see a difference. When they look at your life, do they?

What does it mean to live as the light of the world? What does it mean to live as if you are in the spotlight? Why did I say "Do not dance in the spotlight"? If we are supposed to be the light of the world, then what is wrong with dancing in the spotlight? This is what we are going to talk about today.

First, let's discuss what God actually means when he tells us to be the light of the World. The Word declares this.

"Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”" Ephesians 5:7-14

Have you ever thought of it this way? Until you do, you may actually have a hard time truly understanding your own Salvation. The word tells says this.

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," Philippians 2:12

Work out, or figure out, fully understand what it actually means to be saved. Read that last passage again. "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Look at Romans 8:9-11

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact, the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

You were DEAD! As surely as if you were in the ground. You were on your way to hell. You had no hope whatsoever. Now? YOU are ALIVE! You are on your way to heaven. We marvel at the fact Jesus Himself was dead for three days and yet He rose from the grave. We marvel at the fact that Jesus raised a little girl, and Lazarus from the dead. Why do we fail to marvel at the fact Jesus raised you, us, from the dead? We were as dead as that little girl. Without Jesus, we are no more than the "walking dead."

Remember what Jesus said to the new believer that wanted to go and bury his father who just passed on.

"And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Luke 9:60

YOU were dead. DEAD! Jesus came to the grave in which you laid, He said to you, "Come out." He saved you.

"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." Colossians 3:9-10

Now that you are a new creature, what has changed? Oh, your eternal destination of course. But I mean, what has changed here on earth. You say you are a "Christian." You say you are a child of God. You say you are saved. So when people watch you, and they do, what do they see? Do they see a difference in you and in anyone else? Are you feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, setting captives free? Are you sharing the gospel? Are you LIVING the Gospel? Are you producing fruit? Jesus told us this.

"A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits." Matthew 7:18-19

Are you bearing good fruit? I know some of this may be offensive to some people. But you have to be honest with yourself. Basically, what have YOU done for God lately? Oftentimes people ask "What has the church or God did for me lately?" The question you should ask yourself, and God gives to the answer or at least a way to measure the answer is, "What kind of fruit are you producing?"

God does not tell us that we are in the spotlight. He tells us, we are the spotlight. Do not dance in the spotlight for others to see. BE the spotlight so others may be able to see. See the difference? More on dancing in the spotlight next time. People are watching. So is God.

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose 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 that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall 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 Isaiah, Chapter 32

 Chapter 32 

A King Will Reign in Righteousness

1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness,

    and princes will rule in justice.

2 Each will be like a hiding place from the wind,

    a shelter from the storm,

like streams of water in a dry place,

    like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.

3 Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed,

    and the ears of those who hear will give attention.

4 The heart of the hasty will understand and know,

    and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak distinctly.

5 The fool will no more be called noble,

    nor the scoundrel said to be honorable.

6 For the fool speaks folly,

    and his heart is busy with iniquity,

to practice ungodliness,

    to utter error concerning the Lord,

to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied,

    and to deprive the thirsty of drink.

7 As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil;

    he plans wicked schemes

to ruin the poor with lying words,

    even when the plea of the needy is right.

8 But he who is noble plans noble things,

    and on noble things he stands.

Complacent Women Warned of Disaster

9 Rise up, you women who are at ease, hear my voice;

    you complacent daughters, give ear to my speech.

10 In little more than a year

    you will shudder, you complacent women;

for the grape harvest fails,

    the fruit harvest will not come.

11 Tremble, you women who are at ease,

    shudder, you complacent ones;

strip, and make yourselves bare,

    and tie sackcloth around your waist.

12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields,

    for the fruitful vine,

13 for the soil of my people

    growing up in thorns and briers,

yes, for all the joyous houses

    in the exultant city.

14 For the palace is forsaken,

    the populous city deserted;

the hill and the watchtower

    will become dens forever,

a joy of wild donkeys,

    a pasture of flocks;

15 until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,

    and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,

    and the fruitful field is deemed a forest.

16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,

    and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.

17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace,

    and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,

    in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

19 And it will hail when the forest falls down,

    and the city will be utterly laid low.

20 Happy are you who sow beside all waters,

    who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free.

Absolutes in the Fog

 Truth is truth

Used to be the straight and narrow road was pretty clear. It was sunny and bright. Illuminated by God Himself. People understood right and wrong. The word of God says this, so this is truth. We could all agree, Have no other God before God. Do not commit idolatry. Do not take His name in vain. remember the Sabbath and keep it. Honor your Father and Mother. Don't murder someone. Don't cheat on your spouse. Don't steal. Don't lie. Do not covet. Jesus even summed these up like this.

"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. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

We could all agree on the basic fact that it all has to begin with, include, and end with, Jesus. Without Him, any religion is useless. We could all agree that abortion was murder and wrong. Homosexuality was against God and nature, and the Word teaches in plain detail those that continue in such, will not see heaven. However, a fog has started rolling in.

Now when I say, we could all agree with these things, with the exception of maybe Jesus being the cornerstone, I am talking about the majority. This includes atheists. Even people that did not believe in Jesus still understood right and wrong. Truth and lie. However, a fog has started rolling in.

Have not other God before God. {Who's god? After all, this country was founded on freedom of religion. Any god you choose will do. Now today no god will do. They changed Freedom of to freedom FROM religion}

Do not commit idolatry. {Bow to and pray to this or that saint. Worship at the foot of Mary and or that statue of someone's interpretation of what Jesus looked like. Some of our churches are guilty of this.}

Do not take His name in vain. {Really? It's just words. who cares.}

Remember the Sabbath. {Forget that. We live in a 24-7 society. Gotta make that money. I mean, is this really a big deal?}

Honor your father and mother. {Yeah right? If we are lucky to even have both, we get out as soon as we can. This whole respect your elders thing? Says who? If my mom or dad gets old, they have nursing homes and such. I have a life to live you know.}

Do not murder? {That depends. If we are talking abortion? Then forget you. It is a women's right to do whatever she wants. If it is an old person and they are dying and need a little help? I can see reasons why taking a life may be ok. I have no problem with most. Who are you to judge anyway?}

Do not cheat on your spouse? {What business is it of yours? Seriously. What people do behind closed doors is their business.}

Do not steal? {From who? If you are talking about taking money from a billionaire and giving it to those who are less fortunate? I'm good with that.}

Do not lie? {Come on. EVERYONE lies. It is really no big deal.}

Do not covet? {Wait, what does that even mean? Wanting what others have is natural and healthy. It can give you an incentive to do better for yourself.}

We went from the secular world allowing abortions in rare cases to people, including some predominate "church-going" people calling for late-term abortions for any reason. To now people calling for "Post-birth abortions." This means the baby is born, and alive, and the mother and or family decide to let it die, it is left to die. Or murdered.

We went from a long-term loving relationship between two adults to 27 different genders, and whatever people now chose to identify as. We now have those that seek to legalize and legitimize Pedophilia. People who want to legalize and legitimize Bestiality. People even dress up as animals.

The problem with opening a door, and allowing sin in or justifying sin, is that it breeds more and worse sin. The problem with living in an anything-goes society is well, anything goes. But here is the dangerous part of the whole mess. Our church is slowly opening the door.

We call it compassion. We call it grace. We call it forgiveness. We say things like, yeah yeah, that is a sin according to the Bible, but we all sin so let's not talk about that. Just love them. They will see the error of their way, or they will not. But let's leave it between them and God.

Here is an honest question I have for these people. Some very well-meaning, Christian, loving, in many ways, trying to do the best they can, people. How will people living in sin, repent, if they are not told, they are living in sin?

Sorry, but the truth is. Plain and simple. Nothing else matters. Truth is. Everything else is perception. Everything else is interpretation. Truth just is. It doesn't have a desire to be justified. It doesn't have a desire to be glorified. It cares not for your opinion or acceptance. It just is, if you believe in it or not.

God is God.

"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" Numbers 23:19

God is the same God he has always been.

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." Malachi 3:6

Jesus is the same, Jesus.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Jesus said this,

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Matthew 24:35

It does not matter what man says. It does not matter how much we "evolve" as a society. It does not matter what people in black robes say. What God says, is what matters.

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Proverbs 30:5

The fog comes in when the church fails to teach the truth as the truth. When it starts watering down, or fully omitting certain things, out of fear of offending someone, the grey area, the fog, grows. People go to a church and they learn that some in positions of leadership, or regulars that are active in the church are homosexuals, and they never hear a message about Homosexuality, they can assume, and possibly rightly, that the church condones Homosexuality. If they never hear a message about sin, hell, or the devil, but only hear positive uplifting messages about being a blessing to others and being a good person, then they may assume, possibly rightly, that the church does not believe in all that sin stuff. Just be a good person.

Paul advised a young Pastor named Timothy this in 2 Timothy 3:16

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"

All scripture. ALL scripture. The good fuzzy feeling parts and the harder rougher parts. Those that you like and embrace. Those that you struggle with. ALL scripture. When we start picking and choosing, this is when we start running into trouble. This is when we create a fog. A grey area. But you know what happens in dense fog? You can no longer see where to go.

"Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name." Psalm 86:11

This is why the knowledge of the Truth according to God, is so vitally important. If you do not read the word yourself, and or you choose not to spend much time in prayer or getting to know God, you can be misled. You may not even know the difference between sin and righteousness. You may even accept sin in the name of compassion.

There are absolutes in the fog. Right and wrong exist. Sin and righteousness are real. Truth is truth. It does not matter if you like it, accept it, agree with it, or anything else. It just is. My name is Peter. Those that know this truth call me Peter. They tell others my name is Peter. Now if you do not know, you call me Micheal. You would be wrong. Did I make you wrong? Did something other than the lack of knowledge of the truth of my name cause you to be wrong? No. But you ARE wrong. My name is Peter. That is a simple truth.

God, Jesus, the Word, is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. What was sin is sin. What was the truth, is truth. There are absolutes in the fog. This is your light. {Holding up the Bible} Turn it on.

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 believed He rose 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 that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall 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 Isaiah, Chapter 31

 Chapter 31

Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help

    and rely on horses,

who trust in chariots because they are many

    and in horsemen because they are very strong,

but do not look to the Holy One of Israel

    or consult the Lord!

2 And yet he is wise and brings disaster;

    he does not call back his words,

but will arise against the house of the evildoers

    and against the helpers of those who work iniquity.

3 The Egyptians are man, and not God,

    and their horses are flesh, and not spirit.

When the Lord stretches out his hand,

    the helper will stumble, and he who is helped will fall,

    and they will all perish together.

4 For thus the Lord said to me,

“As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey,

    and when a band of shepherds is called out against him

he is not terrified by their shouting

    or daunted at their noise,

so the Lord of hosts will come down

    to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill.

5 Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts

    will protect Jerusalem;

he will protect and deliver it;

    he will spare and rescue it.”

6 Turn to him from whom people have deeply revolted, O children of Israel. 7 For in that day everyone shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your hands have sinfully made for you.

8 “And the Assyrian shall fall by a sword, not of man;

    and a sword, not of man, shall devour him;

and he shall flee from the sword,

    and his young men shall be put to forced labor.

9 His rock shall pass away in terror,

    and his officers desert the standard in panic,”

declares the Lord, whose fire is in Zion,

    and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

Give Your Fears to Your Father, Special Guest Max Lucado

Give Your Fears to Your Father

Are you struggling with fear today? Is it the pandemic, a job, food, something else? Are you seeing the size of your worries and not the size of your Savior? I think I can point you in a direction that might help you right-size your fear. I’d like to start with a long look at Jesus. A long look at his face.

It’s the expression of Jesus that puzzles us. We’ve never before seen his face like this. Jesus smiling, yes. Jesus weeping, absolutely. Jesus stern, even that. But Jesus anguished? Cheeks streaked with tears? Face flooded in sweat? Rivulets of blood dripping from his chin? You remember the night. Jesus left the city and went to the Mount of Olives, as he often did, and his followers went with him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray for strength against temptation.”

Then Jesus went about a stone’s throw away from them. He kneeled down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him to strengthen him. Being full of pain, Jesus prayed even harder. His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:39–44)

What do we do with this image of Jesus? Simple. We turn to it when we look the same. We read it when we feel the same; we read it when we feel afraid. For isn’t it likely that fear was one of the emotions Jesus felt? One might even argue that fear was the primary emotion. He saw something in the future so fierce, so foreboding that he begged for a change of plans. “Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering” (Luke 22:42).

What causes you to pray the same prayer? Facing a pandemic? Leaving your house? Being in a crowd? Walking into a hospital? Boarding an airplane? Speaking publicly? Starting a new job? Taking a spouse? Driving on a highway? The source of your fear may seem small to others. But it freezes your feet, makes your heart pound, and brings blood to your face. That’s what happened to Jesus.

He was so afraid that he bled. Doctors describe this condition as hematidrosis. Severe anxiety causes the release of chemicals that break down the capillaries in the sweat glands. When this occurs, sweat comes out tinged with blood. Jesus was more than anxious; he was afraid. Fear is worry’s big brother. If worry is a burlap bag, fear is a trunk of concrete. It wouldn’t budge. How remarkable that Jesus felt such fear. But how kind that he told us about it.

We tend to do the opposite. Gloss over our fears. Cover them up. Keep our sweaty palms in our pockets, our nausea, and our dry mouths a secret. Not so with Jesus. We see no mask of strength. But we do hear a request for strength.

“Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering.” The first one to hear his fear is his Father. He could have gone to his mother. He could have confided in his disciples. He could have assembled a prayer meeting. All would have been appropriate, but none were his priority. He went first to his Father.

Oh, how we tend to go everywhere else. First to the bar, to the counselor, to the self-help book, or to the friend next door. Not Jesus. The first one to hear his fear was his Father in heaven. How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his fears.

Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed. And if you sweat blood, you won’t be the first. Do what Jesus did; open your heart. And be specific. Jesus was. “Take this cup,” he prayed. Give God the date of the event. Provide the number of the flight. Tell him about the doctor’s appointment. Share the details of the job transfer. He has plenty of time. He also has plenty of compassion. He doesn’t think your fears are foolish or silly. He won’t tell you to “buck up” or “get tough.” He’s been where you are. He knows how you feel.

And he knows what you need. That’s why we punctuate our prayers as Jesus did. “If you are willing . . .” Was God willing? Yes and no. He didn’t take away the cross, but he took the fear. God didn’t still the storm, but he calmed the sailor. Who is to say he won’t do the same for you?

Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Don’t measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it. Instead of carrying the world on your shoulders, talk to the One who holds the universe on his. Hope is a look away. Maybe you’ve let fear rule your life in the past, but today, give your fears to God. It’s never too late to begin again.

©Max Lucado https://maxlucado.com/

Book of Isaiah, Chapter 30

 Chapter 30

Do Not Go Down to Egypt

1“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord,

“who carry out a plan, but not mine,

and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit,

    that they may add sin to sin;

2 who set out to go down to Egypt,

    without asking for my direction,

to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh

    and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt!

3 Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame,

    and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation.

4 For though his officials are at Zoan

    and his envoys reach Hanes,

5 everyone comes to shame

    through a people that cannot profit them,

that brings neither help nor profit,

    but shame and disgrace.”

6 An oracle on the beasts of the Negeb.

Through a land of trouble and anguish,

    from where come the lioness and the lion,

    the adder and the flying fiery serpent,

they carry their riches on the backs of donkeys,

    and their treasures on the humps of camels,

    to a people that cannot profit them.

7 Egypt's help is worthless and empty;

    therefore I have called her

    “Rahab who sits still.”

A Rebellious People

8 And now, go, write it before them on a tablet

    and inscribe it in a book,

that it may be for the time to come

    as a witness forever. 

9 For they are a rebellious people,

    lying children,

children unwilling to hear

    the instruction of the Lord;

10 who say to the seers, “Do not see,”

    and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right;

speak to us smooth things,

    prophesy illusions,

11 leave the way, turn aside from the path,

    let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel,

“Because you despise this word

    and trust in oppression and perverseness

    and rely on them,

13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you

    like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse,

    whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant;

14 and its breaking is like that of a potter's vessel

    that is smashed so ruthlessly

that among its fragments not a shard is found

    with which to take fire from the hearth,

    or to dip up water out of the cistern.”

15 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

    in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

But you were unwilling, 16 and you said,

“No! We will flee upon horses”;

    therefore you shall flee away;

and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”;

    therefore your pursuers shall be swift.

17 A thousand shall flee at the threat of one;

    at the threat of five you shall flee,

till you are left

    like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain,

    like a signal on a hill.

The Lord Will Be Gracious

18 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,

    and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.

For the Lord is a God of justice;

    blessed are all those who wait for him.

19 For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. 20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. 22 Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, “Be gone!”

23 And he will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and bread, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. In that day your livestock will graze in large pastures, 24 and the oxen and the donkeys that work the ground will eat seasoned fodder, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. 25 And on every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with water, in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. 26 Moreover, the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the Lord binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.

27 Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar,

    burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke; 

his lips are full of fury,

    and his tongue is like a devouring fire;

28 his breath is like an overflowing stream

    that reaches up to the neck;

to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction,

    and to place on the jaws of the peoples a bridle that leads astray.

29 You shall have a song as in the night when a holy feast is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one sets out to the sound of the flute to go to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel. 30 And the Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard and the descending blow of his arm to be seen, in furious anger and a flame of devouring fire, with a cloudburst and storm and hailstones. 31 The Assyrians will be terror-stricken at the voice of the Lord, when he strikes with his rod. 32 And every stroke of the appointed staff that the Lord lays on them will be to the sound of tambourines and lyres. Battling with brandished arm, he will fight with them. 33 For a burning place has long been prepared; indeed, for the king it is made ready, its pyre made deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it.

You Can Do It

Because it is not you doing it alone.

Oversimplification? Probably. However, it is pretty true. What we are talking about today is this phrase, made famous by world famous gymnastic coach Béla Károlyi. "You can do it." He shouted out this phrase to Kerri Strug after breaking her foot or angle during the Olympics. She ran her second vault and landed it on one foot to win the Gold. He knew she could. So he shouted to her, "You can do it."

I will never win a gold at the Olympics. I would not even try. But if God calls me, you, or anyone else to do something? Guess what. He is standing on the sidelines calling out, "You can do it." Why? Because it is Him that is working through us.

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

God called Noah to build an ark to save him and his family, and various kinds of animals, God supplied the wood, plans, and ability to build it. God called Moses to bring His people out of Egypt. He equipt him with all he needed to do it. Even if Moses had no idea what was coming next. God called David to be king. He equipped him to slay a giant with a rock and the ability be become the greatest king in history. God calls us. He will equip us with whatever it is we need, so we can do it.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

Jesus made this statement.

“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

First, let's settle a little misunderstanding here. Jesus said,

"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also"

As a child of God, one who believes Jesus Christ, we should be doing as Jesus did. Preaching the Gospel, teaching people, praying for the sick, and yes even, signs, wonders, and miracles. Then you have this.

"and greater works than these shall he do."

Jesus is not saying that we will do things that are better than he did. You can't get better than Jesus. He is God in the flesh. We are not worthy to be even compared to Jesus. Without Jesus. Noone has done works that were better than Jesus Christ. This is not what he is saying by using the word "greater" here. He is saying "greater" not as "better than my works", but rather "my works in greater numbers". For example, Jesus Christ once preached to a crowd of 5,000 people. That was a big deal back then! Now some 2,000 plus years later, there are children of God who are holding crusades that can reach into the millions in a couple of days! That does not mean that the preacher is doing "greater" works than Jesus in the sense of them being "better", but he is doing "greater" works in the sense of them being in "greater" or "larger" numbers.

But Jesus did command us this.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

But wait, I'm not a theologian. Doesn't matter. I'm not a preacher. Doesn't matter. I have no idea where to start. Doesn't matter. If God, tells you to do something, he knows beyond any doubt, "you can do it." He equips you to do it. He makes a way forward. He is with you the whole time. There is no way you can fail.

Oh, now you can say no. You can try to run from God. You can try to stay silent. You could give up. But if you are obedient. God calls you. You say, "Here I am." and you step out. You can do it. I know some of you may still be thinking, what do I know? How can I teach someone about God?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:7-12

You may be the only Jesus some people will ever see on earth. You are a child of God. You should have the desire to share the good news with any and everyone. if you are scared? Ask for boldness. If you are unsure of something? Ask for clarification. If you feel you do not know much, ask for wisdom. Ask, seek, knock. Every day. Pray that God will be with you and show you His plans and purpose for you. He has one.

Never doubt. Never say I'm not good enough. Here are just a few examples of the types of people God can and does use.

1- King David: Committed sins of adultery, deception, and murder in the story of David and Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11 & 12

2- Apostle Paul (formerly “Saul of Tarsus”): murdered, harassed, and persecuted Christians in the early Church. Saul had a dramatic encounter with God on the road to Damascus, repented, and God forgave him of his sins. The entire story of Saul’s Conversion is in Acts 9

3- Apostle Peter (Simon): Denied Jesus three times, and failed many times (just like us). He had faith and walked on water. He received the divine revelation that Jesus Christ was the son of God Matthew 16:16-17, Peter was used mightily by God to encourage, teach, heal, minister to, lead and grow the early church.

4- Rahab the Prostitute: Rahab was a Prostitute. Despite her sketchy background, she was used by God in mighty ways. She demonstrated great faith and helped the people of God. She is listed in the “Hall of Faith”, and she is listed in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:5

Paul said this in his letter to Timothy.

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16

God can and does use those He chooses to use. If He chooses you, He chooses you. He does so and equips you because He knows, You can do it. Just be obedient and take that step. He is with you. He will help you. You CAN do it.

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 believed He rose 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 that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall 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!