Book of Isaiah, Chapter 64

 Chapter 64 

1 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,

    that the mountains might quake at your presence—

2  as when fire kindles brushwood

    and the fire causes water to boil—

to make your name known to your adversaries,

    and that the nations might tremble at your presence!

3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for,

    you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

4 From of old no one has heard

    or perceived by the ear,

no eye has seen a God besides you,

    who acts for those who wait for him.

5 You meet him who joyfully works righteousness,

    those who remember you in your ways.

Behold, you were angry, and we sinned;

    in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?

6 We have all become like one who is unclean,

    and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.

We all fade like a leaf,

    and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

7 There is no one who calls upon your name,

    who rouses himself to take hold of you;

for you have hidden your face from us,

    and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.

8 But now, O Lord, you are our Father;

    we are the clay, and you are our potter;

    we are all the work of your hand.

9 Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,

    and remember not iniquity forever.

    Behold, please look, we are all your people.

10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness;

    Zion has become a wilderness,

    Jerusalem a desolation.

11 Our holy and beautiful house,

    where our fathers praised you,

has been burned by fire,

    and all our pleasant places have become ruins.

12 Will you restrain yourself at these things, O Lord?

    Will you keep silent, and afflict us so terribly?

Let's Get Real. Setting the Captives Free

 Setting the captives free. 

Welcome, today. Today we will wrap up our series entitled "Let's Get Real." We are currently going through the list of things Jesus told us plainly, that would be a way of which we can see how God will see our lives at our time before Him. Here is the "list."

"I was hungry and you gave me food,"

"I was thirsty and you gave me drink, "

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me,"

"I was naked and you clothed me,"

"I was sick and you visited me,"

"I was in prison and you came to me.’

To those who do not gain entry to heaven, He said that they did not do any of these. See the whole conversation in Matthew 25:31-46. Today we will be wrapping things up by discussing this one.

"I was in prison and you came to me."

Am I telling you that you need to figure out how to enter into maximum-security prisons and figure out how to break them out? Am I telling you that you need to start a prison ministry and start going into jails to preach the gospel? Well? If God tells you to then yes. But am I, Peter Carlock telling you to do this? Well? Actually? Yes. Yes, I am telling you that you need to enter into the most maximum-security prison that exists that very few have ever escaped from, and break them out.

What is the prison I am talking about? It is the maximum-security prison S&D. It is located everywhere and most who are in it, do not even know they are. Most will die in it never knowing true freedom. It is the bondage of Sin and Death.

We are all born into sin. We all will die, and leave this earth. Death is as normal and natural as birth. Look at this.

"For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;" Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Did you know that where there is no law, sin is not counted as sin? I know some disagree, and in a sense they are right, sin is sin. But the Bible tells us that if there is no knowledge of sin, even those that sin, they are not as accountable as those who know sin.

Jesus Himself made this statement.

"If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin." John 15:22

Then we read this in 1 John

"If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life, to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death." 1 John 5:16-17

But we are all born into sin.

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come." Romans 5:12-14

Sin is difficult to manage. Even for those of us, that know the truth. Look at what Paul tells us here.

"For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh, I serve the law of sin." Romans 7:14-25

So if Paul himself, who wrote most of the new testament, struggles daily with sin, what hope do they, people who have no knowledge whatsoever of sin, even have? No chance. They will remain prisoners.

"Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?" Romans 6:16

But they do not have a choice. They have no knowledge. They only know the flesh and their carnal mind.

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:5-8

You! Yes you, ARE the one that needs to show them a better way. YOU! Yes you, are the Jesus they need to see. YOU! Yes you, are the sower of the seed. The teller of truth. The truth is this

"For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”" Romans 10:13

However? Keep reading.

"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? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”" Romans 10:14-15

Wait. I can hear some of you now. "But I have not been sent," Jesus said this. To you!

"And Jesus came and said to them, “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 28:16-20

This is for you. Me, and everyone that is adopted into the family of God. We were slaves and in bondage. We were in the prison that is S&D. {Sin and Death} God set us free by His Son Jesus.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

We are the children of God. We are Sons of God. We are the messengers. WE may actually be the only Jesus that some people may ever see. What are they seeing? What are they hearing? Are we visiting those in prison? Are we setting the captives free through the gospel and the introduction to Jesus Himself? Have you checked the list we have been discussing? Are you a sheep? Or a goat? Are you sure?

If you missed any of this series, as always you can go back in the archives and read them again or get caught up. Now is a good time, today is the day to really start to think about these things. What are you living for? Who are you living for? What are you actually doing for God? It may be a hard question. But it is an honest one.

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 shalt 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 63

 Chapter 63

The Lord's Day of Vengeance

1 Who is this who comes from Edom,

    in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,

he who is splendid in his apparel,

    marching in the greatness of his strength?

“It is I, speaking in righteousness,

    mighty to save.”

2 Why is your apparel red,

    and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?

3 “I have trodden the winepress alone,

    and from the peoples no one was with me;

I trod them in my anger

    and trampled them in my wrath;

their lifeblood spattered on my garments,

    and stained all my apparel.

4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,

    and my year of redemption had come.

5 I looked, but there was no one to help;

    I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold;

so my own arm brought me salvation,

    and my wrath upheld me.

6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger;

    I made them drunk in my wrath,

    and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”

The Lord's Mercy Remembered

7 I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,

    the praises of the Lord,

according to all that the Lord has granted us,

    and the great goodness to the house of Israel

that he has granted them according to his compassion,

    according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

8 For he said, “Surely they are my people,

    children who will not deal falsely.”

    And he became their Savior.

9 In all their affliction he was afflicted,

    and the angel of his presence saved them;

in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;

    he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

10 But they rebelled

    and grieved his Holy Spirit;

therefore he turned to be their enemy,

    and himself fought against them.

11 Then he remembered the days of old,

    of Moses and his people.

Where is he who brought them up out of the sea

    with the shepherds of his flock?

Where is he who put in the midst of them

    his Holy Spirit,

12 who caused his glorious arm

    to go at the right hand of Moses,

who divided the waters before them

    to make for himself an everlasting name,

13     who led them through the depths?

Like a horse in the desert,

    they did not stumble.

14 Like livestock that go down into the valley,

    the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest.

So you led your people,

    to make for yourself a glorious name.

Prayer for Mercy

15 Look down from heaven and see,

    from your holy and beautiful habitation.

Where are your zeal and your might?

    The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion

    are held back from me.

16 For you are our Father,

    though Abraham does not know us,

    and Israel does not acknowledge us;

you, O Lord, are our Father,

    our Redeemer from of old is your name.

17 O Lord, why do you make us wander from your ways

    and harden our heart, so that we fear you not?

Return for the sake of your servants,

    the tribes of your heritage.

18 Your holy people held possession for a little while;

    our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.

19 We have become like those over whom you have never ruled,

    like those who are not called by your name.

Let's Get Real. Healing the Sick

Healing the sick

Welcome, today. Today we will  continue our series entitled "Let's Get Real." We are currently going through the list of things Jesus told us plainly, that would be a way of which we can see how God will see our lives at our time before Him. Here is the "list."

"I was hungry and you gave me food,"

"I was thirsty and you gave me drink, "

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me,"

"I was naked and you clothed me,"

"I was sick and you visited me,"

"I was in prison and you came to me.’

To those who do not gain entry to heaven, He said that they did not do any of these. See the whole conversation in Matthew 25:31-46. Today we will be discussing this one.

"I was sick and you visited me,"

So what does this mean? Does it mean that you should run around slapping people in the head and saying "Be Healed!" Should we do this? What is sickness all about to begin with? Does God make some people Sick?

First, I want to dispel some common misunderstandings about sickness and disease. God is the same, yesterday, today, and forevermore. He doesn't make anyone sick. He is a loving God. He is our Father. He does not want us to suffer. It was never His intent. He makes us perfect in His eyes. We allowed sickness to come in when we gave our authority away. God made the earth perfect. He made man in His image. Perfect in every way. He gave man dominion over the earth and all that is in it. He made him lord over the earth. Man, in turn, gave that authority over to satan. Satan, from that point on, is lord over the earth. What God made perfect, Satan corrupts. Genesis 3.

We are in the hand of the devil. We are in the flesh. We do not have a choice, but to deal with the things of the flesh. Since that original sin in the garden, we are now subject to the things of the flesh. That is why Jesus came. To set us free from the bondage of the flesh. Jesus said this as recorded in Luke 4:18-21

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”"

Healing is one of those teachings that some do not accept. They do not understand it. They do not believe it. They think, sadly for good reason, that anytime they see a "Man of God" with a microphone in one hand, and a Bible in the other, they are scamming people out of their money. The reason for this is simple. In too many cases, they are right.

Just because not all men can heal you, I do not believe I have that gift. I think I would probably get arrested because I would be running around slapping people in the head, doesn't mean that God is unable.

"But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”"

Everyone has a purpose and a plan in God's eyes. They are all important. You are the way you are because it fits into that plan. If it IS in God's plan to heal you, not only can He, but He will. If it is in His plan for you to heal people? You will be gifted that gift. However, it is not always, like with many things on this list, the physical God is concerned with.

"And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13

Look at some of these passages.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

And here

"But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes, we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Another?

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16

Actually, this is right after what I feel is a misunderstood and mistaught passage. Here go back a little bit to James 5:14-15

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Now many churches have taken this passage, and there is nothing mischievous or evil in most cases, but they read this and say "bring in your sick and we will anoint them with oil and they will be healed." Well? That is not what it actually says. It says "the prayer of faith will SAVE the one who is sick," In other words, if they are on the point of death. On their death bed, pray for them and they can be saved, and? "and the Lord will raise him up." The sick people will be healed, but not necessarily physically. Continue on "And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Sometimes, it is NOT God's will for you to be physically healed. I know, I know, that doesn't sound like an answer many would want to hear. But it is the truth. Isaac was blind, Jacob limped. Moses studdered,  Here, look at this. Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, and is one of the most powerful and blessed Saints on earth, was never healed physically by God.

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

God is now, always will be, more concerned with your Spiritual Health than He is your physical. If we are here for a few moments in time. The Word calls our lives vapers, and eternity awaits, then what is the physical suffering we may have here, compared to what we will receive? Look at this from Roaman 8.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Think about this. Death is natural.

"For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;" Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

In other words, Death will come. There is an appointed time. We all must face our immortality in this temporal world. Even if you had a terminal illness? What is the worst that is going to happen to you? You will die on this earth, but you will live on in heaven with God.

"He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken." Isaiah 25:8

But what if you have not accepted the truth? What if the sick person, laying on the point of death has not accepted the only "Way, Truth, and Life" Jesus the Christ? Then for them, death is a very scary time. It is then the opposite of good news. The opposite of nothing compared to our suffering here on earth, for them? Nothing will compare to the suffering they will experience. It does not matter if they have Covid, Cancer, Parkinson's, or anything else. NOTHING will compare to eternal damnation. So what do you think God is more concerned with? You slapping people on the head and yelling "BE HEALED!" at the top of your lungs? Or do you think that God wants you to heal the blind, and the deaf? Teaching them there is a better way. Teaching them that they are strong in their weakness, even if disabled, because of God who is working in them. Heal them from their terminal illness called sin.

Now do not get me wrong. If God did bless you with the gift of healing the physically ill and He calls you to do it, then by all means, please do so. But do not ever neglect the more important Spiritual Healing that we all need to enter into heaven. Let's get real. Let's do the best we can to heal the sick.

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 shalt 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 62

 Chapter 62

Zion's Coming Salvation

1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,

    and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet,

until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,

    and her salvation as a burning torch.

2 The nations shall see your righteousness,

    and all the kings your glory,

and you shall be called by a new name

    that the mouth of the Lord will give.

3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,

    and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken,

    and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,

but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,

    and your land Married;

for the Lord delights in you,

    and your land shall be married.

5 For as a young man marries a young woman,

    so shall your sons marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

    so shall your God rejoice over you.

6 On your walls, O Jerusalem,

    I have set watchmen;

all the day and all the night

    they shall never be silent.

You who put the Lord in remembrance,

    take no rest,

7 and give him no rest

    until he establishes Jerusalem

    and makes it a praise in the earth.

8 The Lord has sworn by his right hand

    and by his mighty arm:

“I will not again give your grain

    to be food for your enemies,

and foreigners shall not drink your wine

    for which you have labored;

9 but those who garner it shall eat it

    and praise the Lord,

and those who gather it shall drink it

    in the courts of my sanctuary.”

10 Go through, go through the gates;

    prepare the way for the people;

build up, build up the highway;

    clear it of stones;

    lift up a signal over the peoples.

11 Behold, the Lord has proclaimed

    to the end of the earth:

Say to the daughter of Zion,

    “Behold, your salvation comes;

behold, his reward is with him,

    and his recompense before him.”

12 And they shall be called The Holy People,

    The Redeemed of the Lord;

and you shall be called Sought Out,

    A City Not Forsaken.

Let's Get Real. Clothing the Naked

 Clothing the Naked.

Welcome. Today we are continuing our series, "Let's Get Real." If you missed any, that's ok. You can find them all here in the archives. We are currently going through the list of things Jesus told us plainly, that would be a measuring stick of sorts or a criterion of which we can see how God will see our lives at our time before Him. Here is the "list."

"I was hungry and you gave me food,"

"I was thirsty and you gave me drink, "

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me,"

"I was naked and you clothed me,"

"I was sick and you visited me,"

"I was in prison and you came to me.’

To those who do not gain entry to heaven, He said that they did not do any of these. See the whole conversation in Matthew 25:31-46. Today we will be discussing this one.

"I was naked and you clothed me,"

Now of course we are talking about the literal meaning, to clothe those in need. Giving to the poor, and or homeless as an example. Remember what James said?

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:15-17

Makes sense does it not? We should be doing this. Without a doubt, we need to help those in need. If you see a kid in your neighborhood that has no shoes, or shoes falling apart? Get some new ones for them. You see someone on your way to work all the time, and they do not seem to have any decent clothes? Go get them some. But I submit to you, that Jesus is not only referring to physical clothing but spiritual clothing as well.

What is spiritual clothing? Look at this.

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. In these, you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 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. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all and in all."

That is the naked you. The dirty you. The you that was in need of new clothes. What Clothes? Keep reading.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:1-17

If you are in this world, and of this world, the clothes you are wearing are worldly, dirty, obscenely offensive, worn out, rags. You may as well be running around naked. However, the world sees you as one of theirs. You are wearing their colors. But there is better clothing to put on. Clothes help you to be " beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another" It is through the Blood of Christ that you get these clothes.

Look at Galatians 3:26-27

"So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

Are you clothing the naked with Christ? Are you showing them a better way? Are you telling them it is far better who you are than what you are wearing? Even the $3000.00 suite does not cover the ugliness and evil that lies beneath. Are you telling them things like this?

"Do not let your adorning be external, the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear, but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:3-4

Or as we read in Isaiah?

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress," Isaiah 61:10

What about the world? What about the devil? There is a war going on and the truth is, you are on one side or the other. If you claim to be with God, are you fighting the war naked? Unless you are David, I suggest you put on the armor that cannot be overcome. The armor that no weapon ever formed can harm you. The Armor of God.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," Ephesians 6:10-18

This is why we read this in Romans 8.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake, we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

Without God, without the blood of Christ, you do not stand a chance. No chance in hell. You are on your way there. You already lost. You already belong to the devil. But with God. With the blood of Christ, you,

"have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

You have put on the Robes of Righteousness. You have put on Christ. As for the war? the devil? You have put on the whole Armor of God. NOTHING will ever separate you from His love. Wear and teach others to wear, clothes that cannot ever wear out. Clothes that are whiter than white and will never fade. Armor that can and will protect you from anything. Let's get real with clothing the naked. Let's get dressed, and go out looking for others to clothe. What say you?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will 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 shalt 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.

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 61

 Chapter 61

The Year of the Lord's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

    because the Lord has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor; 

    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 

2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,

    and the day of vengeance of our God;

    to comfort all who mourn;

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—

    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 

4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;

    they shall raise up the former devastations;

they shall repair the ruined cities,

    the devastations of many generations.

5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;

    foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;

6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;

    they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;

you shall eat the wealth of the nations,

    and in their glory you shall boast.

7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;

    instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;

therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;

    they shall have everlasting joy.

8 For I the Lord love justice;

    I hate robbery and wrong; 

I will faithfully give them their recompense,

    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations,

    and their descendants in the midst of the peoples;

all who see them shall acknowledge them,

    that they are an offspring the Lord has blessed.

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;

    my soul shall exult in my God,

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;

    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,

    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,

    and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up,

so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise

    to sprout up before all the nations.

Let's Get Real. Entertaining Strangers

 You never know.

Welcome. Today we are continuing our series, "Let's Get Real." We are currently going through the list of things Jesus told us plainly, that would be a measuring stick of sorts or a criterion of which we can see how God will see our lives at our time before Him. Here is the "list."

"I was hungry and you gave me food,"

"I was thirsty and you gave me drink, "

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me,"

"I was naked and you clothed me,"

"I was sick and you visited me,"

"I was in prison and you came to me.’

To those who do not gain entry to heaven, He said that they did not do any of these. See the whole conversation in Matthew 25:31-46. Today we will be discussing this one.

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me,"

What does God tell us about strangers? First? We are to love them. And we are to treat them as equals to us. Look here.

"You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 24:22

And in Deuteronomy, we read this.

"Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:19

We must never forget, we were once strangers to God. We were not a citizen of heaven and we had no claim to the promise before God called us out and called us to Jesus. Oh, we may have never been a slave in Egypt, but make no mistake about it, we were ALL slaves to sin and aliens to God.

What if the person that shared the gospel with you, treated you badly instead? What if the Church that you received the truth that led to your salvation shut you out? They could have. Why? Because you were a stranger. You were an outsider. You had no claim to the things they believed. As a matter of fact, you had no idea what they believed. Look at this. Ready? Read this with me.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

You did not know God, His Word, or Jesus before God called you out. You had no clue. Even if you say you were "looking for Jesus," I tell you this truth. You did not even know where to look. However, because of love, love of God, love of Jesus, love of His children who are faithful and obedient to His Word and His Will, Jesus found you. Looked you in the eyes. Said, "Follow Me." When you were yet a sinner. When you were yet a stranger. This is why God tells us we should ""Love the sojourner," or Stanger because we were once the same as them

Another reason that it is extremely wise to be as kind as you can to strangers, is that you never know who you are dealing with. Here is one really good reason, it may actually be an angel. Yes. Angels are real folks. Look here. Hebrews 13:2

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Angels are very real. Demons are very real. Satan is very real. GOD is very real. And He really does interact in His children's lives daily. This is not a concept or idea. This is not just a nice story. This is REAL. The Bible is filled with stories of angels interacting with humans. They still do. Even if you do not know it at the time.

I told this story before. I was just saved. I bought a car from a coworker. The Car was what they call a lemon. It broke down. "Somehow" I coasted through this busy intersection into a gas station on the other side. There I stood, hood up, looking at the engine, Like by looking at it, it would somehow magically get fixed. Then I felt this presence behind me.

I turned and saw a man standing there looking at my engine too. "Won't start uh?" No, I was just bored and decided to sit here and look at the engine, you idiot. Of course, it won't start you moron. That was what I was thinking, but what I said was "Nope." Then he asked me a question out of the blue. "So you a Christian?" To my surprise, I didn't hesitate. "Yup." "So I have to help you then. Don't I?"

He walks over to a truck pulling this brand new shiny red sports car. He unloads it, puts my broken down piece of, uh, junk, car on the carrier, and asked "Where do you need to go?" Long story short, He got me where I needed to go and drove off. Was he an Angel? A good samaritan? I have no idea. I repeat,

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

Can God send angels to His children today? Of course, He can. God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. But I have a question for you. What if it is NOT an angel. What if it was God Himself?

How old are you? Did you walk with Jesus? What does He look like? No really. What does He look like? If my wife was to walk in here I would recognize her immediately. But then again, what about the people that DID walk with Jesus? Surely they would recognize Him. Right?

Mary Magdalene was weeping at the empty tomb of Jesus when Jesus asked her what was wrong. Did she recognize Him?

"Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” John 20:15

She thought He was the gardener. Two disciples walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection.

"While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

He goes on to tell Jesus all that happened. To and about, uh, Jesus. Jesus even said this.

"And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." Luke 24:25-27

They still had no idea that it was actually Jesus until later at supper when He broke bread with them.

"When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. " Luke 24:30-31

John 21 talks about some of Jesus's disciples who fished all night and caught nothing. At break of day, while they were still out on the water, Jesus spoke from the shore, asking them about their fishing trip. They did not know Him until He told them where to cast the net and they caught a large amount of fish. If they, who walked with and talked with Jesus, every day. Watched Him do miracles and watched Him be beaten and hung on a cross, did not recognize Him, do you really think you would?

That stranger that enters your life, no matter how briefly, may indeed be a person that God puts in your life for you to bless in a certain way. That stranger may be a messenger sent by God. That stranger, according to the Word of God, may actually be an Angel. Maybe, just maybe, that stranger is God Himself. Do you really want to take that chance?

Look what Jesus tells us. This is long after the resurrection. This is today. Or maybe tomorrow.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

Are you ready to open the door? Are you ready to host the Lord Himself? An Angel? I love this quote from one of my favorite TV shows of all time.

“Never be cruel. Never be cowardly. Hate is always foolish. Love is always wise. Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.” The Twelfth Doctor, Twice Upon a Time.

Host and treat everyone that comes into your life and never fail to be kind. You really never know who it is, you are dealing with. 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 shalt 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 60

 Chapter 60

The Future Glory of Israel

1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

    and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

    and his glory will be seen upon you.

3 And nations shall come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;

    they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from afar,

    and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

5 Then you shall see and be radiant;

    your heart shall thrill and exult,

because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,

    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;

    all those from Sheba shall come.

They shall bring gold and frankincense,

    and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.

7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you;

    the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you;

they shall come up with acceptance on my altar,

    and I will beautify my beautiful house.

8 Who are these that fly like a cloud,

    and like doves to their windows?

9 For the coastlands shall hope for me,

    the ships of Tarshish first,

to bring your children from afar,

    their silver and gold with them,

for the name of the Lord your God,

    and for the Holy One of Israel,

    because he has made you beautiful.

10 Foreigners shall build up your walls,

    and their kings shall minister to you;

for in my wrath I struck you,

    but in my favor I have had mercy on you.

11 Your gates shall be open continually;

    day and night they shall not be shut,

that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations,

    with their kings led in procession.

12 For the nation and kingdom

    that will not serve you shall perish;

    those nations shall be utterly laid waste.

13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you,

    the cypress, the plane, and the pine,

to beautify the place of my sanctuary,

    and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

14 The sons of those who afflicted you

    shall come bending low to you,

and all who despised you

    shall bow down at your feet;

they shall call you the City of the Lord,

    the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated,

    with no one passing through,

I will make you majestic forever,

    a joy from age to age.

16 You shall suck the milk of nations;

    you shall nurse at the breast of kings;

and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior

    and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

17 Instead of bronze I will bring gold,

    and instead of iron I will bring silver;

instead of wood, bronze,

    instead of stones, iron.

I will make your overseers peace

    and your taskmasters righteousness.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land,

    devastation or destruction within your borders;

you shall call your walls Salvation,

    and your gates Praise.

19 The sun shall be no more

    your light by day,

nor for brightness shall the moon

    give you light;

but the Lord will be your everlasting light,

    and your God will be your glory.

20 Your sun shall no more go down,

    nor your moon withdraw itself;

for the Lord will be your everlasting light,

    and your days of mourning shall be ended.

21 Your people shall all be righteous;

    they shall possess the land forever,

the branch of my planting, the work of my hands,

    that I might be glorified.[d]

22 The least one shall become a clan,

    and the smallest one a mighty nation;

I am the Lord;

    in its time I will hasten it.