Anger, Righteous vs Fleshly, Part 2

 Fleshly anger 

Hey folks, last time we discussed the fact that Jesus got angry. We know that God got angry and they both still do from time to time, yet we are told things like this.

"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire." Matthew 5:22

We are told anger is a destructive force that can lead to all kinds of things. Self-harm, destruction of families, up to and even including murder. Statements like this, "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering" Yoda from Star Wars, is proven to be true. So what is anger?

an·ger

noun
1 a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility:

verb
1. fill (someone) with anger; provoke anger in:

So if we spent the whole time last time talking about the times that Jesus Himself got angry, then why would it be wrong, or unwise at the least, for us to get angry? Well, here is a major difference. Jesus is perfect. We are not. Jesus is God. We are not. Jesus got angry, but He never sinned.

Let's look at some of the warnings from God's word to us about anger.

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 4:26-31

I know that is saying a lot. Let's unpack that a bit.

"In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Did you wake up this morning thinking that you would punch the wall, yell at your loved ones, or curse out a complete stranger? No. Of course not. The problem with us giving into the flesh in the moment of our anger is that we allow our flesh to react. We think about it over and over. On our pillows, we play the what-if game. The devil can use this time to encourage our flesh to take the next step. It festers and grows in us. Sin starts in our minds, grows in the evilness of our hearts, and becomes manifested in various ways through the actions of our flesh.

"Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."

A little bit of a side note here but yes. If you covet something someone has, it can lead to anger, and it can lead to stealing and even murder. Think King David, Bathsheba, and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11. Did you know this is one of the reasons you should be working? Not only to meet your needs but also that you "may have something to share with those in need."

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

What can gossip cause? Hurt, anger, and harm to others. Don't do it. Hate is always foolish, and love is always wise. Always try, to be nice, and never fail to be kind. Be encouraging. Build up do not tear down. The more positive you become, the less of an effect others will have on you.

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

The word tells us that we should never tempt the Lord our God. We should not give Him a full-time job just fixing the stupid stuff we do and helping us out of the positions we put ourselves and others in. King Solomon warns us.

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Proverbs 29:11

Let's be honest here. What can you do? Someone abuses you. You attack them? You may go to jail. You may lose your job. Your Family will suffer. You try to sue them? You lose money and time. Others are hurt and affected. What can you do? Forgive them. Give them to God. Trust me. All you need to do is live on.

James tells us this

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20

Wrath, even if justified, is pointless. It does not produce anything positive. Also, think about this aspect. What does it do to your health? People get extremely sick holding onto long-lasting anger and hate. Scientific evidence suggests that holding onto anger, and or frequent angry outbursts, may increase the long-term risk of everything from heart attacks and strokes to poor and slow healing and a weakened immune system.

All that aside, remember this simple fact we just talked about recently. There is NOTHING you can do to those that use or abuse you that is even worthy to be compared to that of which God can do to them.

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31

This is why The word tells us this.

"Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9

Do not ever forget what can happen when you allow yourself to get angry without cause or even without a good cause. You can give in to the flesh and strike out against those you love the most. I'm not talking about physical, although it can go that far with some people, just words can cut deeper than you can ever imagine. As much as you may regret, or even as much as they say they forgive you, you can never take back the things you say. Yell "stupid" enough? They will accept that as how you feel about them. Yell "I don't care." enough and they will believe you. Think about how you sound to others before you speak. It is far easier to control your tongue when you are calm and at peace than it is when you allow the anger to fester and grow inside you.

Breath. Pray. Meditate. Think about it. Practice something that can help you to stay calm. Memorize passages like this.

"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Corinthians 13:11

Or maybe something like Philippians 4:6-7

"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."

I do know this. Without God, it is impossible to control your anger. A great first step, if you have not already done so, is to accept Jesus. 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 42

 Chapter 42

The Lord's Chosen Servant

42 Behold my servant, whom I uphold,

    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;

I have put my Spirit upon him;

    he will bring forth justice to the nations.

2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,

    or make it heard in the street;

3 a bruised reed he will not break,

    and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;

    he will faithfully bring forth justice.

4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged

    till he has established justice in the earth;

    and the coastlands wait for his law.

5 Thus says God, the Lord,

    who created the heavens and stretched them out,

    who spread out the earth and what comes from it,

who gives breath to the people on it

    and spirit to those who walk in it:

6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness;

    I will take you by the hand and keep you;

I will give you as a covenant for the people,

    a light for the nations,

7     to open the eyes that are blind,

to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,

    from the prison those who sit in darkness.

8 I am the Lord; that is my name;

    my glory I give to no other,

    nor my praise to carved idols.

9 Behold, the former things have come to pass,

    and new things I now declare;

before they spring forth

    I tell you of them.”

Sing to the Lord a New Song

10 Sing to the Lord a new song,

    his praise from the end of the earth,

you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it,

    the coastlands and their inhabitants.

11 Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice,

    the villages that Kedar inhabits;

let the habitants of Sela sing for joy,

    let them shout from the top of the mountains.

12 Let them give glory to the Lord,

    and declare his praise in the coastlands.

13 The Lord goes out like a mighty man,

    like a man of war he stirs up his zeal;

he cries out, he shouts aloud,

    he shows himself mighty against his foes.

14 For a long time I have held my peace;

    I have kept still and restrained myself;

now I will cry out like a woman in labor;

    I will gasp and pant.

15 I will lay waste mountains and hills,

    and dry up all their vegetation;

I will turn the rivers into islands,

    and dry up the pools.

16 And I will lead the blind

    in a way that they do not know,

in paths that they have not known

    I will guide them.

I will turn the darkness before them into light,

    the rough places into level ground.

These are the things I do,

    and I do not forsake them.

17 They are turned back and utterly put to shame,

    who trust in carved idols,

who say to metal images,

    “You are our gods.”

Israel's Failure to Hear and See

18 Hear, you deaf,

    and look, you blind, that you may see!

19 Who is blind but my servant,

    or deaf as my messenger whom I send?

Who is blind as my dedicated one,

    or blind as the servant of the Lord?

20 He sees many things, but does not observe them;

    his ears are open, but he does not hear.

21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness' sake,

    to magnify his law and make it glorious.

22 But this is a people plundered and looted;

    they are all of them trapped in holes

    and hidden in prisons;

they have become plunder with none to rescue,

    spoil with none to say, “Restore!”

23 Who among you will give ear to this,

    will attend and listen for the time to come?

24 Who gave up Jacob to the looter,

    and Israel to the plunderers?

Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned,

    in whose ways they would not walk,

    and whose law they would not obey?

25 So he poured on him the heat of his anger

    and the might of battle;

it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand;

    it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart.

Anger, Righteous vs Fleshly,

 Anger 

Do you see that picture above? Sadly, that is me. When I allow my anger to get the best of me. My kids tell me, my wife tells me, others who have witnessed it tell me, that if I allow the anger to grow inside me, it can and does from time to time, turn into rage, and I become like a scary monster. Like the Hulk.

I'm a three hundred and five-pound man. 305. I am strong. Not bragging, just stating a fact. Years of going to the gym and working out and years of hard physical labor on the job have made me this way. I eclipse most people when I stand next to them. A neighbor friend of mine nicknamed me "Planet Pete."

Now I say all that to say this. Imagine if you will, a 305 pound, exceedingly strong, blind rage-filled monster looking at you, as the source of the rage? I have destroyed a few things over the years. Including a cast iron fry pan. including many phones. Including a car.

Now imagine you are a child. You know pretty much nothing more than Daddy is there to love you. To protect you. To keep you safe and to provide for you whatever you need. What if, just think about this, what if, the one that is supposed to protect you from the monsters, becomes the monster. Where is the hope?

an·ger

noun
1 a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility:
verb
1. fill (someone) with anger; provoke anger in:

Is anger not normal? Is it not OK to get angry? I mean, one of my favorite quotes of all time comes from another green fellow,

"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering" Yoda

I mean? He is not wrong. But what about righteous anger? Did you know Jesus got angry? Let's look at a few. One may surprise you depending on which translation you are using. The first is pretty well known.

"So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves, he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”" John 2:15-17

Jesus got angry. He made a whip, yelled, turned over tables. Jesus smash. But why? Because He loves the Church and we, people, turned the church into a flea market. Into a shopping center with most likely loaded scales as well.

Here is another time we see Jesus get angry.

"Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, “There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”" Luke 13:10-16

Remember this "But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant " Jesus got angry with him and yelled "You hypocrites!"

Here? Mark 7:33-37

"And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.”And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Jesus "Sighed" He was annoyed. Not at healing the man. Do not misunderstand. He knew what healing the man would bring about. This is important to keep in mind.

He was angry over and over with those "Holier than thou" Religious Leaders. Just a couple of examples. Matthew 23:25-32, John 8:33-47. Then here.

"The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side." Mark 8:11-13

Here is the one that many chose to change. Only a few translations use this word. Many change it. Here it is. Mark 1:41-45

"Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead, he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere."

Jesus was indignant. Like that ruler of the synagogue. So what is "indignant."

"feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as an unfair treatment"

Now many translations and many "scholars" have changed this one word to "Had or Showed compassion on the man." Jesus would not be indignant for having someone ask Him to be healed. He wasn't. Why did He sigh before? Why was He truly indignant here? Because He knew what it would lead to. Here, read this with me.

"And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it."

And here. Read this with me.

"Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead, he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places."

Jesus knew, that once He heals some of these people, they would not be obedient, and remain quiet about it, but would go and shout from the rooftops all about Jesus, in turn, hinder Jesus from continuing to do what He planned to do.

"As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places."

God gets angry. Jesus got angry. He still gets angry. Look at this prophetic passage in Psalms.

"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

You do not want Jesus to be angry with you. Look at this in Revelations. This is Jesus talking to the earthly churches. Look what He says here to those that were not producing fruit.

"I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Revelations 3:15-16

Jesus got, and gets, angry. God got, can you say flood? and gets angry. So shall we then determine that anger is ok? What about Yoda?!? What about all the destructive results of anger? Destruction of innocents and families are torn apart? Murder even. No. There is a major difference between God getting angry and when we get angry. Jesus? God? He never sinned. That is the difference. More on that next time.

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I 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 41

 Chapter 41

Fear Not, for I Am with You

1 Listen to me in silence, O coastlands;

    let the peoples renew their strength;

let them approach, then let them speak;

    let us together draw near for judgment.

2 Who stirred up one from the east

    whom victory meets at every step?

He gives up nations before him,

    so that he tramples kings underfoot;

he makes them like dust with his sword,

    like driven stubble with his bow.

3 He pursues them and passes on safely,

    by paths his feet have not trod.

4 Who has performed and done this,

    calling the generations from the beginning?

I, the Lord, the first,

    and with the last; I am he.

5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid;

    the ends of the earth tremble;

    they have drawn near and come.

6 Everyone helps his neighbor

    and says to his brother, “Be strong!”

7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith,

    and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil,

saying of the soldering, “It is good”;

    and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.

8 But you, Israel, my servant,

    Jacob, whom I have chosen,

    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;

9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,

    and called from its farthest corners,

saying to you, “You are my servant,

    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;

10 fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

11 Behold, all who are incensed against you

    shall be put to shame and confounded;

those who strive against you

    shall be as nothing and shall perish.

12 You shall seek those who contend with you,

    but you shall not find them;

those who war against you

    shall be as nothing at all.

13 For I, the Lord your God,

    hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, “Fear not,

    I am the one who helps you.”

14 Fear not, you worm Jacob,

    you men of Israel!

I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord;

    your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I make of you a threshing sledge,

    new, sharp, and having teeth;

you shall thresh the mountains and crush them,

    and you shall make the hills like chaff;

16 you shall winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away,

    and the tempest shall scatter them.

And you shall rejoice in the Lord;

    in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.

17 When the poor and needy seek water,

    and there is none,

    and their tongue is parched with thirst,

I the Lord will answer them;

    I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers on the bare heights,

    and fountains in the midst of the valleys.

I will make the wilderness a pool of water,

    and the dry land springs of water.

19 I will put in the wilderness the cedar,

    the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive.

I will set in the desert the cypress,

    the plane and the pine together,

20 that they may see and know,

    may consider and understand together,

that the hand of the Lord has done this,

    the Holy One of Israel has created it.

The Futility of Idols

21 Set forth your case, says the Lord;

    bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.

22 Let them bring them, and tell us

    what is to happen.

Tell us the former things, what they are,

    that we may consider them,

that we may know their outcome;

    or declare to us the things to come.

23 Tell us what is to come hereafter,

    that we may know that you are gods;

do good, or do harm,

    that we may be dismayed and terrified.

24 Behold, you are nothing,

    and your work is less than nothing;

    an abomination is he who chooses you.

25 I stirred up one from the north, and he has come,

    from the rising of the sun, and he shall call upon my name;

he shall trample on rulers as on mortar,

    as the potter treads clay.

26 Who declared it from the beginning, that we might know,

    and beforehand, that we might say, “He is right”?

There was none who declared it, none who proclaimed,

    none who heard your words.

27 I was the first to say to Zion, “Behold, here they are!”

    and I give to Jerusalem a herald of good news.

28 But when I look, there is no one;

    among these there is no counselor

    who, when I ask, gives an answer.

29 Behold, they are all a delusion;

    their works are nothing;

    their metal images are empty wind.

Men, You are the Pastor. Father and Teacher.

 You are it. 

What is "Abba Father?" Jesus said this in one of His prayers.

"And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”" Mark 14:36

We read this in Romans 8

"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!”" Romans 8:15

So what does "Abba Father" mean? Daddy. Yup. The Creator of all there is was, or ever will be, wants you to call Him and see Him, as your Daddy. Remember, God's plan for an earthly family is simple.

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:25-33

Continuing in Ephesians 6:1-4

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

God wants to be your "Abba Father." However, He wants you to be the "Abba Father." of your children.

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3

God's plan for the family is pretty clear. One man, one woman, come together as one flesh, with children being born into the family. Father and mother raise the children, and when they are old if needed? The children take care of the father and mother.

It was never God's plan to come up with daycare or nursing homes. You, man, are the head of the family. YOU, man, are the Pastor of your house. YOU, man, are the Husband and guide, father and teacher. You are it.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

We are going to talk more about anger next time. In reference to this topic, do you really want your children to hate you? To think you do not care? To fear you with an unhealthy fear? Of course not. Do you know what happens when they do? They leave as soon as they can. A lot of the time they go off and have a harder life than they needed to. They become poor fathers as well.

So how do you raise Godly children? With God. I know. Seems pretty simplistic. Read that again.

"but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

How do you do this? With the Word of God.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16

The Word tells us plainly, that we need to teach our children the Word of God. We need to teach them the Ten Commandments as an example.

"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." Deuteronomy 6:7

In reference to the ways of God.

"Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.." Psalm 34:11

Psalm 132:12

"If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.”"

God calls for the Father to correct his children when needed. Yes, that includes corporal punishment. Proverbs 22:15

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him."

What if you do not? Proverbs 23:13

"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die."

No matter how "good" you think your child is, they still need you. They need a strong Godly "Abba Father." They do not have the ability to live the way they should because you need to teach them the ways they should go.

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." Proverbs 29:15

You see, true education should always be from the home. Fathers, you are raising your children. They will go out into the world and learn things about the world. They must have a strong foundation so that they are not lead astray. They will not be lead into sins. I assure you this, they are learning, experiencing, experimenting, growing, and seeking the ways they should go. Either YOU can teach them, or they will learn from the world. Which do you prefer? Which do you think is best?
This is not saying that it is OK to beat your child. It is not saying that it is OK for husbands to abuse their wives. God IS love. God wants us to love our families the way God loves us. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."

We are to love our families. Serve God through our families as the Pastor of the home. Husband and guide for your wife. Father and teacher for your children. You do realize that your children learn far more from watching what you do than anything of what you say? If the Parent is foul-mouthed, the Child will most likely be. An alcoholic or drug abuser, same. An abusive person, physically or mentally? Good chance that they will be also. It's called the cycle.

Oh, you can tell your kids, "Don't smoke, drink," or whatever, but if they grow up watching you do it, they most likely will as well. If you tell your child it is not OK to strike a woman, yet, they see you hit mommy? They will "understand" that it is OK. If you constantly say "I love you" yet, you beat them daily, they will grow up "understanding" that love sometimes hurts, but that's OK.

The same applies to good. If your child sees you loving their mother, doing little things for her daily, which you may not even think about, bring her coffee, holding the door, ETC, this they will do as well. I remember a very intelligent piece of advice I received a long time ago, from a very wise man. He said, "When you are dating someone, go to dinner at their house. Watch how the mother treats the father, for this is how the daughter will treat you." It works the other way as well. Over the years, I have found this to be very true.

Health? If they see you living a healthy lifestyle, chances are, they will as well. If you do not smoke, drink, swear, do drugs, and you then tell them these things are bad, they will listen. They will come to understand that they are.

The same goes for those who claim to be Children of God. If you tell them God loves them and wants to save them, and that He will completely change their lives for the better, what do they SEE? Are they listening to you, or watching you? Of course, even if they are listening, they are also watching. Do they see you reading the Bible? Are you holding Bible studies in your home? Are you praying together? Do not know where to start? Start with "grace" at food times. Pray an evening prayer. Pray a morning prayer before all go off into the world.

Someone is going to raise your children. Do you want it to be you? The world? Who is it that you want to teach your children what is best for them? How are they going to go out into the world without the armor of Christ? You are it. You are the Abba Father to your children. Be a Godly Daddy.

Now if I was not talking directly to you. Now is the time to correct that. Now is the time. Today is the day. I have your adoption papers right here {Holding up the Bible} 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 40

 Chapter 40

Comfort for God's People

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

    and cry to her

that her warfare is ended,

    that her iniquity is pardoned,

that she has received from the Lord's hand

    double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;

    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

4 Every valley shall be lifted up,

    and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

    and the rough places a plain.

5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

    and all flesh shall see it together,

    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

The Word of God Stands Forever

6 A voice says, “Cry!”

    And I said, “What shall I cry?”

All flesh is grass,

    and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades

    when the breath of the Lord blows on it;

    surely the people are grass.

8 The grass withers, the flower fades,

    but the word of our God will stand forever.

The Greatness of God

9 Go on up to a high mountain,

    O Zion, herald of good news;

lift up your voice with strength,

    O Jerusalem, herald of good news;

    lift it up, fear not;

say to the cities of Judah,

    “Behold your God!”

10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might,

    and his arm rules for him;

behold, his reward is with him,

    and his recompense before him.

11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

    he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

    and gently lead those that are with young.

12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand

    and marked off the heavens with a span,

enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure

    and weighed the mountains in scales

    and the hills in a balance?

13 Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord,

    or what man shows him his counsel?

14 Whom did he consult,

    and who made him understand?

Who taught him the path of justice,

    and taught him knowledge,

    and showed him the way of understanding?

15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,

    and are accounted as the dust on the scales;

    behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.

16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,

    nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.

17 All the nations are as nothing before him,

    they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

18 To whom then will you liken God,

    or what likeness compare with him?

19 An idol! A craftsman casts it,

    and a goldsmith overlays it with gold

    and casts for it silver chains.

20 He who is too impoverished for an offering

    chooses wood that will not rot;

he seeks out a skillful craftsman

    to set up an idol that will not move.

21 Do you not know? Do you not hear?

    Has it not been told you from the beginning?

    Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,

    and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;

who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,

    and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;

23 who brings princes to nothing,

    and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.

24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,

    scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,

when he blows on them, and they wither,

    and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

25 To whom then will you compare me,

    that I should be like him? says the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:

    who created these?

He who brings out their host by number,

    calling them all by name;

by the greatness of his might

    and because he is strong in power,

    not one is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,

    and speak, O Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord,

    and my right is disregarded by my God”?

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

    his understanding is unsearchable.

29 He gives power to the faint,

    and to him who has no might he increases strength.

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,

    and young men shall fall exhausted;

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

    they shall walk and not faint.

Men, You are the Pastor. Husband and Guide

Husband and Guide

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a Pastor? A lot of people think about that from time to time. Last time we dispelled a few myths. The biggest one is that you ARE the Pastor. You are the spiritual leader of your house. Today we are talking about your other most important set of duties as the Pastor or spiritual leader of your house. You ARE the Husband and Guide to your wife. If you are blessed with a wife. You are it, my friend.

However, I do not want you to be misled. People read this,

"Wives, obey your husbands as you obey the Lord. The husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church people. The church is his body and he saved it. Wives should obey their husbands in everything, just as the church people obey Christ." Ephesians 5:22-24

"Well, that means I'm the king of my house. You better do whatever I say." Uh, kind of. I know this is not a popular topic, but it is actually the truth. However, this does NOT mean that the man can be abusive. Keep reading.

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church," Ephesians 5:25-29

What does that mean? Well, for one thing, if you have an unhappy wife, you have an unhappy life. If your wife is filled with the world and is operating in the flesh, you will never ever ever have peace in your house, Guess what? According to what we just read, it is YOUR fault. Let's break this down a little more.

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,"

Jesus put God first, then the church, always. He loved the church so He dies for it. Are you willing to put your wife second to only God Himself and do so to the point of laying down your very life for her?

"that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,"

Stop. What did Jesus do? He washed her with the word. Are you having Bible studies in your home? Are you leading your family through the Word of God? Are you even reading the Bible?

"But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

How does faith come to your house? How does faith come at all?

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17

How can they, your wife and children, receive faith, if no one is teaching them.

"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" Romans 10:14

You are the Preacher. You are the Guide through this beautiful gift called life. You want a Godly wife? Be a Godly husband. Is your wife working, taking care of the kids, and trying to take care of you as well? Do you not think she deserves to be the center of your attention? The object of your desire? The most precious thing in the world to you. Your mate. Your helper. Your lover. Your EVERYTHING!

"so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Am I saying that if there is something wrong with your wife, it is your fault? Quite possibly. Not in every case of course. Yet the truth remains if you want your wife to be a godly woman, and you want your family to be going down that straight and narrow road, it is your responsibility to lead. To guide. To make those tough decisions.

I have a Godly wife. I will admit, sometimes? I really hate when she says things like, "Well, it's your decision." "What do you say?" "I told the kids you would make the decision when you get home." Sometimes I would much rather show up and be told this or that. Why? Not my problem if it goes sideways. I could point my finger at someone else. If it is me making the decision? Then it is I who bears the responsibility for that decision.

"In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,"

This is God's plan the whole time.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

One flesh. One. Jesus said,

"So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." Matthew 19:6

We are one. If someone attacks one, they attack all. If something good happens to one, it happens to all. If something bad happens? You get the point. One flesh. This is why God is so against adultery that He actually made it a commandment.

Commandment 7

"You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14

You are one flesh. Yet, for a few seconds of pleasure you go and joint together with someone other than your other half. There is no deeper hurt. Oh, I know there are even TV shows nowadays where this is celebrated. Doesn't make it right. It is not just sex. It is not ok. It is the deepest hurt you can possibly cause to the one you claim to love the most.

This can also present itself to you as your other role as the Spiritual Leader of your house. Warrior. Yup. You must be willing to step up and go to war even if that is needed for your family. The enemy can come to you in various forms. One way the enemy can come to you is through a beautiful woman. I am getting to be an old man. A pretty young thing, with a flattering tongue and a touch of her hand? That can be very enticing. Very seductive. Very dangerous if I allow it to be. I must stand up against that enemy and stay firmly committed to my wife.

The enemy can come in the form of a time robber. Before you know it, you are spending more and more time away. Gotta make that money. Gotta take care of this or that. I gotta do my hobby. Whatever. Meanwhile, you are neglecting the most important person on this earth to you.

The enemy can come in many forms. For?

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

God's plan for a family? One man and one woman become one flesh. We are born, learn and grow, leave our father and mother, come together and marry, becoming one. God's plan for us is that as parents, you take care of your children, raising them in the ways they should go, and then later in life, if needed, your children should be able, and willing, to care for you.

Look at the state of marriage and family in the world today. Marry anything you want, including yourself and including animals. Not joking. A majority and a growing majority of households are becoming fatherless. This is not by accident folks. I cannot tell you how many children over the years I have shown kindness and love to because they were looking for a father figure in their life. Absolutely NOTHING wrong with the mother. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. But children inherently seek a father. They seek a strong, safe, protective, loving person who truly loves them and wants nothing but the best for them. If you are a husband and father, that is your job. Not someone in the neighborhood. Not someone at the church. YOU. It is YOUR role. More on being a father next time.

You are the husband and the guide through life. Step up. BE that husband and guide. God is with you. Learn from Him how to best treat the gifts of a wife and children He has given you. If you have not first started by accepting Jesus, then say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

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

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

It is now your responsibility to guide your family to that church. To share the Word with them. To be the husband and guide to your wife that God wants you to be. Welcome to the family brother.

If you want to reach out to 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 39

 Chapter 39

Envoys from Babylon

1 At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered. 2 And Hezekiah welcomed them gladly. And he showed them his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his whole armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. 3 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” Hezekiah said, “They have come to me from a far country, from Babylon.” 4 He said, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.”

5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 7 And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

Men, You Are The Pastor, Spiritual Leader

 Of your house. 

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a Pastor? A lot of people think about that from time to time. They come in and hear the message. Watch the Pastor as he teaches and strolls from side to side on the stage. They think I would not mind doing that. Or I bet I could do that. Let's dispel a few myths right off the bat. No. As a pastor, you do not work only one day a week. You can overwork yourself if you are not careful and that would do no one any good. Second, most Pastors HATE talking about money. They are not looking to get rich on your dime. They need your tithes and offerings to run the church. Third, you ARE the Pastor.

Wait, what? Yup. You ARE the Pastor Talking to the men here. As the man, you ARE the Pastor of your house. You are the, 

Spiritual Leader.
Husband and Guide.
Father and Teacher.

Look at God's plan for the family. Let's look all the way back at the very creation of Man.

"Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

God created woman and then in Genesis 2:24, God created marriage.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

God created man, then woman, then marriage. All back in the beginning. Leaving aside the whole fall of man thing for a second, we see that family is the most important non-God related thing on earth. Then again, family is not actually supposed to be non-God related. A righteous living family is all about God. It is so important that it is the fifth Commandment and the first with promise.

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12

Here is God's plan for the family. We are born, learn and grow, leave our father and mother, come together, and marry, becoming one. God's plan for us as the man, is that you are the spiritual leader, husband, and guide, to your wife, and father, and teacher to your children. You take care of your wife and children, leading your family and raising your children in the ways they should go.

However, this is one of those teachings that have been twisted, manipulated, and even forsaken, by some churches. It is also not necessarily politically correct. That doesn't change the fact that God has a very clear plan for our earthly family. In Ephesians 5:20-24

"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."

More on husbands and wives next time. The buck stops at you. You are IT! You must take up the role. God created you. You are the way you are because God said so. He gave you a wife. I do not know if you know this, but He gave you a wife. If you have not been blessed with a Godly wife yet? Then you have time to learn about your role. If you are married? She is a GIFT from God.

"She is far more precious than jewels." Proverbs 31:10

If you are blessed with children, THEY are a gift from God.

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3

This is all for you. It is your responsibility to take care of the gifts God gave you. How do you do this? Be the Spiritual Leader you are called to be. It is your job;

 
Grow closer to God.
Learn His Will and ways.
Provide for and lead the way God leads you to.
Share your wisdom of God and His word with your family.
Always be prepared to BE the Father, Husband, Leader, of your House.
Always be ready and willing to go into battle for your family.

I do not have all the answers. Neither do you. But we do have access to all the answers. {Holding up the Bible} Right here. In your hand.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16

If you cannot find something you are looking for in the Word? Ask the one that WROTE the word. Ask "The Word." Ask Jesus.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

Jesus told us this.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

If you are truly seeking to lead your family, and you run into a stumbling block, a "grey area," or something you just flat out do not understand, take it to God. Here is a couple of tips for you. One, there is NO GREY AREA. Zero. Sin and good that was sin and good then are still sin and good today. Right and wrong are still right and wrong. If you see something, or your wife or children ask you something that does not line up with this {Holding the Bible up} it is against God and should be avoided.

You have to take the stand. You have to make tough choices. You have to lead by example. Let your wife see you pray, read the Word, seek advice from church leaders. Let your kids see this. Enact a Bible Study in your house where you can learn together. Pray together.

Love unconditionally. Forgive freely. Teach honestly. Lead by leading the way. Go forth before, and pave the way for your family to follow after. Lead by example and do not be a hypocrite. NEVER say "Do as I say and not as I do." Say "Watch me, and do likewise."

Here is another tip for you. Let your "Yes" be yes. Let your "No" be no. Never say to your family, "we are going to do this or that," then, not do it. Let your word be final and make sure that your family can trust what you say.

I have been blessed with a Godly wife and three, by my wife's birth, and many more, children in my life. I try to NEVER say something I am not one hundred percent sure I am going to do. I grew up with adults who would promise the moon and never even give me a pebble of sand. Tomorrow never came. Later was always that far away. I try to never do that with my family. Jesus even taught us this.

"Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil." Matthew 5:37

Stand up. Step up. Pray. Read. Lead them to the church God leads you to. BE the Pastor of your house. BE the Spiritual Leader you are called to be. God will bless you richly. There will be so much less confusion and chaos. Hurt and sadness. If you take your official, God-ordained role, He will be able to take His. You become the head of your house, and He will become the head of you. He will lead you if you lead them. Be the Spiritual Leader God is calling you to be.

In order to do that, of course, you have to be a child of 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!