Book of Genesis, Chapter 30

 Chapter 30

 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” 2 Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go into her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.” 4 So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went into her. 5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 Then Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. 7 Rachel's servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestling, I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Then Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, “Good fortune has come!” so she called his name Gad. 12 Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, “Happy am I! For women have called me happy.” So she called his name Asher.

14 In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son's mandrakes.” 15 But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son's mandrakes.” 16 When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come into me, for I have hired you with my son's mandrakes.” So he lay with her that night. 17 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar.

19 And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. 21 Afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah.

22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add to me another son!”

Jacob's Prosperity

25 As soon as Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own home and country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, that I may go, for you know the service that I have given you.” 27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you. 28 Name your wages, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you, and how your livestock has fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31 He said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this for me, I will again pasture your flock and keep it: 32 Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every black lamb, and the spotted and speckled among the goats, and they shall be my wages. 33 So my honesty will answer for me later when you come to look into my wages with you. Everyone that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.” 34 Laban said, “Good! Let it be as you have said.” 35 But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, everyone that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in the charge of his sons. 36 And he set a distance of three days' journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob pastured the rest of Laban's flock.

37 Then Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks. 38 He set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink, 39 the flocks bred in front of the sticks and so the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted. 40 And Jacob separated the lambs and set the faces of the flocks toward the striped and all the black in the flock of Laban. He put his own droves apart and did not put them with Laban's flock. 41 Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob would lay the sticks in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the sticks, 42 but for the feebler of the flock he would not lay them there. So the feebler would be Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's. 43 Thus the man increased greatly and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

A Story to Tell 3

 Why do bad things happen to good people? 

First of all, no one is good, no not one.

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:11-18

Look what happened when they called Jesus good.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, “Why callest thou me good?” [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16-17

Why would Jesus not want someone calling Him good? Because He was all man. He was in the flesh, just like we are. He was in the natural world, just like we are. He was susceptible to all the Sin in this world as we are. The flesh craves the things of this world and the lord of this world is the devil. In this state, Jesus did not see Himself as good. If Jesus Himself did not see Himself as good, who are we?

Leaving that aside for a bit, why do bad things happen to God’s people? The adopted. God’s children. People sometimes think, and sadly sometimes they are falsely taught, that all you have to do is have enough faith and be obedient to God and whatever church you belong to and you will be healthy, wealthy, and wise. You will coast through life with no problems. If not? That is your lack of faith. Just have more faith. This is a lie. Let’s go back to Paul. Remember, Paul wrote a lot of the New Testament we read today. I’m pretty sure he had more than an abundance of faith. Remember he was taught by Jesus Himself face to face. If this was true, He would be healthy, wealthy, and wise, Right? Well, he tells us a bit differently.

“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-27

Consider two things here. First, does this sound like he was cruising through life without a care? Two, if he was making anything up. Jesus, the Word, all the things He was teaching, would he continue the lie in the face of all this? Of course not. He endured all this because he KNEW it was true. Look what he said here.

“I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Philippians 1:23-24

He literally just said he would rather die and go to heaven but he stayed here and endured all this because of us. The gentiles. 

How about another person who had great faith? Another that walked with Jesus and personally witnessed Jesus work miracles including rising from the dead. Peter. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Peter and Jesus were talking and Jesus said this.

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,”

Now think about this. You have seen everything that Jesus has done, including casting out demons and raising the dead. He just told you that the king of demons, The god of this world, Satan himself, has asked to have you. I can imagine that Peter was thinking something like “Well now, has he really? Good thing I’m with you. You told him no right?” However? Keep reading.

“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Now wait. Jesus said yes. He told Satan he could have him? Peter said this

“Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me." Luke 22:31-34

How does this make sense? Why would Jesus say yes? Look here at another faith-filled man named Job. Another that Satan wanted to have.

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” Job 1:1

Look here.

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."

Hold on a second. Side note, perhaps a whole sermon, but notice Satan asked God to do it. Why? Simply put, Satan can not do anything to God's chosen people without the permission of God. What did God say?

“And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.” Job 1:6-12

Again God said “Yes.” He said that Satan can have him, to the point of death. But not death itself because his life belongs to God. You know the story, Job lost everything, He ended up having boils all over his body, and he suffered much. Does that seem like he was healthy wealthy and wise? Of course not. God was not testing these people nor is He testing us with bad things. Nor does God tempt us with evil. 

"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." James 1:13

So why did God allow these “bad things” to happen to these “good people?” 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-5

Notice it does not say “when God tests you.” It says “When you meet trials of various kinds.” If there is any doubt, read on a bit more.

“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” James 1:13-16

So then, why? Why does God allow bad things to happen to “good people”

“Faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”

Jesus said this. 

“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers"

One of the whole reasons that Jesus came here was to be one of us. To suffer as one of us. To die as one of us. He knows now firsthand what it is we go through. When you end up going through something, you can now relate to someone else who is about to or is in the middle of going through the same. You now have a story to tell. Job had a story to tell. Peter has many stories to tell. Paul has many stories to tell. They are all used to straighten others. In the long run, you see that it was never actually about them at all. It was all for OUR, yes OUR, you a me, OUR benefit. Job suffered for us. Peter failed and suffered for us. Paul suffered for us. Of course, Jesus suffered and died for us.

This book {Holding up the Bible} is real. It is filled with real people with real stories to tell. That thing you are going through right now? It may not be for you. It may just be a story for you to tell. It may very well be to help others.

Where did you come from? What did you go through in the past? Who are you now that God has made you into a new creation? You say you are saved. Saved from what? Is there truly a better way than that of the world? To the lost, the simple things of God are not so simple. To the lost, your story may be exactly what they need to take the next step. You went through “it.” Therefore “it” is not the end. “It” whatever “it” is, it may just be the beginning. Always remember this also.

“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 8:13

In other words, any and everything in this present time is temporal. Even the most heinous, be it torture at the hands of another, cancer, or any other sickness or disease. Nothing can even compare to an eternity with God in paradise. Nothing.

If you want to tell your story to someone, you can always start at the beginning which is this. Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Would you like to be? It really is simple. Say this prayer. 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

Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Thanksgiving 2023

 Thanksgiving 2023

It's that time again. Another year. Another day where we have set aside time to gather with friends and family and be thankful for all you have. It amazes me that some people,

1- Have no idea who to be thankful to.

2- What to be thankful for.

3- How to be thankful.

First, God. Plain and simple. Without God, we would not even be. Think about that. Your life. Without Him, you would not even exist to be thankful for anything.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:13-17

You are not an accident. God knew you before your mother knew your father.

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

He has a plan and a purpose for you and your life. You are here for a reason. Be thankful He created you and gave you this life. Born when and where you were, how you were, to whom you were. I know I know, not all of us have had a rosey, happy, childhood. Some suffered. Some struggled. That was not God. However, God has, or is trying to, set you free from that. He made the way.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

From Life to life everlasting, and all things in between, be thankful to God always. Without Him, none of us would ever even have been here in the first place. Without Him, we would all perish together in a place of suffering and death. Without Him, we would have nothing. Be thankful in the very fact you exist, and you are loved, and you are saved from death itself. Everything else is temporal. Remember, God is here tomorrow as well. Give Him thanks daily.

Here is a prayer if you would like to pray along these words.

“Heavenly Father,

We gather today to give You thanks for all Your many blessings.

We thank You for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to experience all that You have created.

We thank You for the food we eat, prepared with love by our hands and the hands of others.

We thank You for the home we live in, a place of safety and comfort.

We thank You for our family and friends, who enrich our lives with their love and support.

Most of all, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer, and through Him, we have eternal life.

As we enjoy this Thanksgiving meal, help us to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. May we be generous with our time and resources, and work to make the world a better place for all.

Guide us in our lives, Lord, and help us to live in accordance with Your will. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for all that You have given us.

In Jesus' name, amen.”

May you all have a Happy and bountiful Thanksgiving. May God be with you all. Always.

Book of Genesis, Chapter 29

 Chapter 29

Jacob Arrives in Paddan Aram

1 Then Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. 2 There he saw a well in the open country, with three flocks of sheep lying near it because the flocks were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large. 3 When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well’s mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.

4 Jacob asked the shepherds, “My brothers, where are you from?”

“We’re from Harran,” they replied.

5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban, Nahor’s grandson?”

“Yes, we know him,” they answered.

6 Then Jacob asked them, “Is he well?”

“Yes, he is,” they said, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep.”

7 “Look,” he said, “the sun is still high; it is not time for the flocks to be gathered. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”

8 “We can’t,” they replied, “until all the flocks are gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.”

9 While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd. 10 When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of his uncle Laban, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud. 12 He had told Rachel that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. So she ran and told her father.

13 As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things. 14 Then Laban said to him, “You are my own flesh and blood.”

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

After Jacob had stayed with him for a whole month, 15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”

22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. 30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban for another seven years.

Jacob’s Children

31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”

33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon.

34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.

35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.

A Story to Tell 2

 I have lived stories to tell.

So have you if you are a child of God, for any amount of time, no matter how long. You have lived stories to tell. Who were you before? What were you doing when Jesus met you.? You have witnessed how God is love. You have witnessed how God is good. You have witnessed how God is constant, how God saves.

Let’s look at another real person who really lived and really witnessed God. You probably know him, but do you REALLY know him? I had no idea until he shared it with me. With all of us. His name was Saul. We see him first at the murder of one of the first “Christians” Stephen. 

Stephen was full of grace and power and was doing great wonders and signs among the people. The Word of God tells us that he had a face that was like the face of an angel. As he taught and did all these great wonders and signs among the people, as with the disciples and as with Jesus Himself, some of the religious folks of the day became offended. As with Jesus, they paid people to lie about Stephen.

“Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us." Act 6:9-14

Now when they did this, Stephen gave a long speech proving to them that he was a Jew and that he was full of the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures from Abraham forward, he talked about how God called the Jews His chosen and all He did for them, yet, they fell into sin. This is where we pick up.

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.”

This is the first time we see Saul.

“And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep” Act 7:54-60

Now from this time, Saul set out, with full written permission, to destroy God’s new chosen people, the Christians, or the followers of this new “way.” Jesus followers. New children of God. He would arrest them. Imprison them. Kill them even. Until one day, one faithful day, Jesus Himself, appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Yes, it really was Jesus. No, it was not an Angel, nor a prophet. It was Jesus, Himself. Now remember this was after the Crucifixion, and many still thought that Jesus was dead.

“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." Act 9:1-6

Now notice when Jesus spoke to him, Saul knew at that moment, that all he heard about Jesus was true. He even outright asked Him, “Who are you, Lord?” He knew. Jesus answered him. There was no doubt in Saul. He knew Jesus was indeed all the things he heard about Him and that, since He was talking to him, he must not be dead. Right?

It is another sermon altogether but we read how Saul was blind and yet healed by Ananias. And Saul went on to preach the Gospel and proclaim Jesus. He went through a lot. Trust me, most people have no idea. Look how he tells his story here.

“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that I preached is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Notice he says Jesus taught me. Not the disciples, and not a man, but Jesus himself.

“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)"

Now notice this. Three years. He is saying that he spent three years with and being taught by Jesus Himself. Can you imagine that?

“Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it being said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.” Gal 1:11-24

Saul who is now known as Paul, a new creature in Christ, tells us that it does not matter what you did in your past. It does not matter who you used to be. Look at my story and see what God did for me. He can and will change your heart, and He can and will, save you.

Saul was full of hate, look what it said here. “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” However, Jesus, went right to where he was. Think about that. Jesus goes to the sinner. We do not find Jesus. We would have no idea where to even look. Jesus finds us. He “called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. God calls you “out of the world” John 15:19. Jesus presents Himself to you and it then becomes your choice to accept and follow Him or not.

Saul accepted Him. Followed Him. Learn from Him directly. God changed Saul's heart of hate and stone to a warm loving heart full of love and compassion for God’s chosen people. If God can do that for Saul. Change him into Paul who wrote a lot of the New Testament that we read today, and then He can do it for you. More on Paul’s story next time.

Here is something to always remember and never forget or take lightly. This {Holding up the Bile} is God’s living Word. When you read about Paul, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, King David, Mary, and anyone else, you are learning about REAL PEOPLE who REALLY lived and did the things you read. This {Holding up the Bible} is REAL. Saul really hunted down and dragged men women and children out of their homes, in some cases took them to be thrown into prison, and in some cases killed them. Jesus REALLY appeared to Him “from the dead” if you will, and really did convert him into Paul. What have you done in your life that is worthy to compare to murdering innocent people? If God can save Saul and turn him to Himself, then He can and will forgive you, save you, and turn you into a new creature as well.

I know I feel unworthy. I’m sure most of you feel unworthy. But that is actually the point. We are. There is nothing we can do to become good. There is nothing we can do to earn our way into heaven. The only way, truth, life, door, gate, entryway, or whatever you call it, is Jesus Christ. If you accept Him, and His sacrifice, then and only then, will God send the Spirit of Adoption, the Holy Spirit, into your life, and then, and only then, do you become a child of God.

If you have not already done so, you need to ask Jesus into your life, 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 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

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Genesis, Chapter 28

 Chapter 28

1 So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. Then he commanded him: “Do not marry a Canaanite woman. 2 Go at once to Paddan Aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel. Take a wife for yourself there, from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 3 May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of people. 4 May he give you and your descendants the blessing given to Abraham, so that you may take possession of the land where you now reside as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.” 5 Then Isaac sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, who was the mother of Jacob and Esau.

6 Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” 7 and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram. 8 Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; 9 so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had.

Jacob’s Dream at Bethel

10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.

20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

A Story To Tell

 You have a story to tell

I’m going to warn you right now, today may be a bit long. It is a simple question. It is a simple answer. It is also one that needs explaining for some to understand. The question?

I read this.

 "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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 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

"He was talking to the disciples, right? He was talking to Pastors, right? I know He would not be talking to me. Who am I? I did not go to Bible college. I did not memorize the Bible. I am a nobody who works in security."

The truth is this. Yes, he is talking to us. Me, you, and all of His children. The question we will be diving into is this. How? How do I talk to people about God?

The answer? Tell people about Him. Forget what you think you do not know, and just tell them your story. You have a story to tell. Even if you do not think so. Here is mine.

My name is Peter. I was born on August 17, 1969. I have pretty much always known God. Well, I have always known that God exists. I never accepted that all there was to life was going off to school, work, paying bills, and going home. I always believed that there had to be more than merely existing.

I grew up in small-town America. It was a different time. I do not believe that my Grandmother even had locks on her door. My earthly Father left when I was 13 months old. Therefore I never knew him. I, my mother, and my aunt, all lived with my grandmother and grandfather in a big three-story home.

Growing up was the best time of my life. My grandmother taught me the importance of caring for others. We always had a big, Thanksgiving-style dinner on Sundays, where we took turns bringing dinners around town to certain others who had no one to cook for them. Me and Billy would be outside and playing all hours. We never had to worry about the evils in the world. We would just live. Play. Have fun. Get involved. I would not change a thing.

My grandmother also "made" me and my best friend, Billy, go to Sunday School on Sundays. We were in church plays, took part in bake sales, learned to sing songs, and where to find the Books in the Bible. My grandfather had Parkinson's Disease, so grandma didn't go often, but she did attend the big occasions. With the help of others, in my early life, even Grandpa made a couple.

However, I did not understand who God was, or who Jesus is, until I started, completely unintentionally, a Spiritual quest. I was 19 years old. I was working as a Security Guard at a local mall. I was working with two individuals. Both claim to be Christians, and both claim to be "Born Again." Both tell me two COMPLETELY different things.

First was a young man named James. He told me that he was attending a church in the inner city. When I asked him about it, he asked me "Ever see the movie "Blues Brothers"?" Yup. He said that's it. Singing, dancing, healing. Praising God for hours. It was a true celebration. Every Sunday. He told me about Jesus dying for me, and that I had to be born again, receive the Holy "Ghost", and speak in other tongues, to be saved. I agreed to attend. It was, without doubt, an experience. Not really my cup of tea.

Then there was an older gentleman named Dwight. He shared with me that, Jesus died for me, and that I had to be born again, receive the Holy "Spirit", and learn the ways of God, to be saved. I asked him about this "speaking in tongues" and baptism. He told me that speaking in tongues simply changed your language to speak on spiritual things. He showed me where the Bible talks about it serving no purpose to speak unknown tongues. If people, including you, do not understand what you are talking about, what profit does it have? Good point. So what about this Baptism thing? He told me that it is a step of obedience and an outward sign of my Faith. I was showing the world that I had decided to accept the gift that is Christ's sacrifice through the water Baptism. He told me that God Baptizes with the Spirit. But that man could by no means do that. He invited me to attend his Church. I did.

Now this was the Church I knew. Sing songs. Sit, and listen to the Pastor teach. It was indeed, through that church that I accepted Christ into my life, and was indeed Baptized in the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Now about this time, I hungered for knowledge. I wanted to grow in Faith. I wanted to learn all I could. I still listened to James, and heard of amazing things that God was doing, not just in my life, but the lives of many around me. Then I started seeing supernatural things happening all the time. Things that had no other explanation but God. There were two that were a major shift in my journey.

A mutual friend Jimmy, friends with both me and James, came to me right after I was baptized, and said, “James sent me to you. He told me you can help me. I want to learn about the Ten Commandments and who Jesus is.” I was thinking to myself, “ME!?!?!?” “Why did James send you to me?” Say it with me, “I know He would not be talking to me. Who am I? I did not go to Bible college. I did not memorize the Bible. I am a nobody who works in security.”

Then surprisingly, to myself, I said sure. “Come on over to my house on such and such a day, and we will talk about it.” Uh, what did I just say? So he did. I did not even know where to find the Ten Commandments. {Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5} and quickly looked through the Bible until I found them while hiding in the kitchen. I found out that day, that even the simplest things of God, are not that simple to those that do not know God. With what little knowledge I did have, and through the process of reading God’s Word together, it planted a seed in Jimmy.

Now Jimmy was a pro-Boxer and would train all the time. He would get up at 4 a.m. and run up a mountain. He came to me one day and said, “I accepted Jesus today. On the top of the mountain.” All the praise and the glory to God.

Now remember, all I knew when this happened was Jesus came, lived, was beaten, and hung on the cross for me. He rose from the dead and all I have to do is believe and He will be with me when I die on this earth. I learned the Ten Commandments at the same time as Jimmy did.

Here is the other. One day, while I was at work, now as a Corporate Investigator, a young lady who worked for one of the businesses I was part of, came to me and said.. "Pete? I know you go to church. I understand that you know about this God stuff. My Sister, who is ten years old, has just been diagnosed with Cancer. Could you ask your church to pray for her? Please."

I asked to meet with the Pastor. I asked him if he thought God gave man the power to heal. He said, to my absolute shock, "No." I asked him to explain. He told me that he believed that the signs and wonders of the Bible were that in the Bible. They were only granted to the twelve to justify them and prove that they were truly sent by Jesus and that when Jesus was raised from the dead, the miracles ceased. Still amazed, I asked if the church could at least pray for the little girl. Of course.

So that Sunday the Church did pray. The following week, the young woman came out of nowhere and wrapped both arms around me, sobbing. I thought the worst. I asked her how her Sister was. She said they just returned from the doctors who had to run extra tests because they couldn't believe what they were seeing. Her Sister? Completely Cancer-free. An answered prayer for healing, from a church that doesn't believe in healing. Now that is God.

So my growth in faith began to take off. Many more things happened that showed me God is good. God is alive and well. Yes, God still gets involved. True miracles are happening every day. I found myself having to move on from that church, due to the lack of belief from the Pastor, and found myself investigating religion itself. I spent time in Catholicism, Judaism, and Eastern Religions of various types. Then one day, I heard as clearly as you would hear me talking to you now, "Stop trying to learn from the creature. Learn from the Creator." Also "If you want to know God. Ask him." From that day on, that is what I have done.

I will never meet the same people that Jimmy the Boxer will meet. But he will be sharing the Gospel with them. I will never meet his friends or friends, but now they have a story to tell as well. I just had to be faithful and tell mine.

There are stories all around you. I remember one day we did a testimony day. The Pastor stopped talking and turned over the time to the congratulation. The concept was simple. "What did Jesus do for you?" It was a Testimonial Service.

As I sat back and watched, I was amazed, touched, moved, and even brought to tears on a couple of occasions. Of course, there were some as you would expect. "God saved me from drugs and alcohol." "God saved my Marriage." "God saved and loved one of my loved ones." "God healed me." ETC. All moving. All great testimonies.

A couple moved me even more. One held a sign and said, "I am worthless." Then went on to explain how she found purpose through Jesus. How she found self-worth through Jesus. Another, "I am alone." Went on to explain how they no longer feel that way through Jesus. It was incredible.

The new church that took over did this again. Some signs shocked me. One was a girl I have known her whole life. She was now a teenager and her sign said “I hurt myself.” I never knew. Another was a disabled person. Great lady, I never asked why she was disabled, and never really thought about it. She is just her. Her sign read, “I’m an abortion survivor.” I was blown away.

So me? My response? To tell you the truth, mine read “I struggle with anger issues and depression.” I thought about my story the whole time. What is my answer? How do I respond to this question? What has God done for me? To my surprise, my response is one word. One word I wanted to share with you all today. “Life.”

Growing up, as a kid, in a small town, Billy and I did stuff all over the place. One day we were walking on the train tracks. There was this trestle in town that we always walked on. It was old and missing some planks. A neighbor fell through it once and broke his back. It sits very high over a rocky river. One day we were walking on it, and I fell through. But I didn't fall. There I was, feet dangling, wondering what just happened, when I found myself being pulled up by, well, "nothing." I was fine.

Fast forward, to later in life, I'm driving down the road in my 77 Toyota Celica GT Limited Edition Sports Car. I'm coming back from picking up my girlfriend at the time, Katrina, from School. I fell asleep and hit a tree airborne and rolled it down the road. We find ourselves standing outside the pile of twisted metal. I remember being ticked off, looking at the wrecked car, when the Police arrived. I will never forget the look on the Cop's face when he said "Good thing she wasn't in the car." I told him she was, and he pointed out that the battery was embedded in the passenger seat. He said we should both be dead.

There are a few more times I know, beyond any doubt whatsoever, I should be dead. But that's not the "life" I'm talking about. Now I know, God always knew me. But I had no concept of salvation until I was 20. Oh, I knew God was real. I even prayed to Him. I learned in Sunday School. But I did not understand

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." 3:16-18

I read

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father but by me."

But I had no idea

"If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know him, and have seen him." John 14:6-7

I had no idea that Jesus said

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him, the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."

Or

"So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10 1-5, 7-11

So I learned that there is no other way. There is no other Truth. There is no other key. You can be as religious as you want, but without accepting Jesus's sacrifice, you are not His. You are NOT a child of God. I learned that this simplistic, open invitation to accept Jesus's sacrifice, was made open and simple to ALL. Available to all. It is not exclusive, but INCLUSIVE. Available to all who seek the Truth. So I did and was Baptized the way Jesus told us to be.

But this is not the "Life" I'm talking about.

No. The “life” I'm talking about is the reason I am here, to begin with. I breath. I exist. I am here because God loved me first. God looked down from Heaven and saw three people. The first was a man named Percy. The second was a woman named Dianna. The third was a man named ??? Let's call him John Smith. He, on an appointed time, on an appointed day, whispered in John's ear. "Buy this land. On this land, build a building. Call that building 'The Store.' In that store place the selves in this manner, and place these products on these shelves." So John did. Then on an appointed time and appointed day, God whispered in Percy's ear, "Go into 'The Store,' go to Isle 3, and buy Peanut Butter. " Then He whispered in Dianna's ear "Go into 'The Store,' go to Isle 3, and buy Peanut Butter. " So they did. They met and fell in love, hence, here I am.

Now God wrote in The Book, I will be this tall. I will have this built. I will have brown eyes and brown hair. I will have this plan and purpose for my life. I shall be called Peter. Now my mother and father never really got along. He left when I was 13 months old. But that's OK. It was not his job to raise me. It was his job to bring me about. I'll say that again. Someone needs to get this. It was not my earthly father's job to raise me. It was not my mother's job either. It was my grandmother's. It was my father and mother's job to bring me into the world.

Now my father wanted me to be called Livingstone Steven Carlock. I kid you not. He was not there at my birth. When the nurse came in and asked my mother "What shall we call him?" My mother had no idea why, but said "Peter." Here I am. As God wrote in His Book, and exactly the way He planned me to be.

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book, all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!" Psalms 139: 13-17

I know. Long introduction. However, our stories to share begin with us. Who were we? Who are we now? What have we witnessed with our own eyes? Believe me, you DO have a story to tell. More of mine, and much more to come. Won’t you join me as we go into the season of Thanksgiving? Hey, maybe it will remind you of things you are indeed thankful for.

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Genesis, Chapter 27

 Chapter 27

Isaac Blesses Jacob

1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son, and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, 4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

5 Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, 7 ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the Lord before I die.’ 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you. 9 Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.” 11 But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Behold, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. 12 Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be mocking him and bring a curse upon myself and not a blessing.” 13 His mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, bring them to me.”

14 So he went and took them and brought them to his mother, and his mother prepared delicious food, such as his father loved. 15 Then Rebekah took the best garments of Esau her older son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. 16 And the skins of the young goats she put on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 And she put the delicious food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

18 So he went into his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” 19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” 20 But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He answered, “Because the Lord your God granted me success.” 21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not.” 22 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, who felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau's hands. So he blessed him. 24 He said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He answered, “I am.” 25 Then he said, “Bring it near to me, that I may eat of my son's game and bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate, and he brought him wine, and he drank.

26 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near and kiss me, my son.” 27 So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said,

“See, the smell of my son

    is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed!

28 May God give you the dew of heaven

    and of the fatness of the earth

    and plenty of grain and wine.

29 Let peoples serve you,

    and nations bow down to you.

Be lord over your brothers,

    and may your mother's sons bow down to you.

Cursed be everyone who curses you,

    and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”

30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob when Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 He also prepared delicious food and brought it to his father. And he said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son's game, that you may bless me.” 32 His father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” 33 Then Isaac trembled very violently and said, “Who was it then that hunted game and brought it to me, and I ate it all before you came, and I have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed.” 34 As soon as Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” 35 But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.” 36 Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times. He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” Then he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” 37 Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?” 38 Esau said to his father, “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.

39 Then Isaac his father answered and said to him:

“Behold, away from the fatness of the earth shall your dwelling be,

    and away from the dew of heaven on high.

40 By your sword you shall live,

    and you shall serve your brother;

but when you grow restless

    you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

41 Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42 But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 43 Now, therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban my brother in Haran 44 and stay with him a while, until your brother's fury turns away— 45 until your brother's anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send it and bring you from there. Why should I be bereft of you both in one day?”

46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I loathe my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women like these, one of the women of the land, what good will my life be to me?”

Do Not Pray For The World

Pray for your family

Used to be, the majority on this planet, especially here in America, that we agreed,

God is real. Jesus is Lord.
Lying is wrong.
Stealing is wrong.
Murder is wrong.
Homosexuality was wrong.
A boy born a boy was a boy.
Same with a girl.
Sin is to be avoided.
Oh, and sin is SIN. Good is good.

The whole reason America is here is for Freedom OF Religion not freedom from religion. Forget what some like to tell you, this country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus.Christ. This was meant to be a Christian nation. Proof? Of the 55 men who formed the constitution, 52 were active members of their church. Noah Webster who wrote the first dictionary could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse. James Madison said,

"We've staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all our heart.”

In his farewell address, Washington said,

"You can't have national morality apart from religious principle."

That is just a couple of examples. So what happened? Some non-believers started to remove God from the public. Worst, many children of God stood by and let it happen. The most notable action was removing the Bible from schools.

Remember what President Abe Lincoln said?

“The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next”

The Bible has been removed from schools in the United States in a number of ways. In some cases, it has been removed from classrooms entirely, while in other cases, it is no longer allowed to be read aloud or taught as part of the curriculum. This has happened gradually over time, and there is no single date that can be identified as the beginning of this trend.

One of the earliest examples of the Bible being removed from schools occurred in 1962 when the Supreme Court ruled in Engel v. Vitale that public schools could not sponsor prayers. This decision was based on the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from establishing a state religion.

In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled in Abington School District v. Schempp that public schools could not require students to read from the Bible or recite the Lord's Prayer. This decision was also based on the Establishment Clause.

This is why they removed God from our schools, so they can fill our children’s little growing brains with their agendas and shape the future into a godless, in their opinion, the utopia of a secular nation to live as you will.

Another one of the main issues, that goes right along with the removal of God, is this. It is the crumbling foundation that used to be taught at home. He who controls the youth controls the future. It really is that simple. It all starts at home. It all begins with you. It starts with the parents. It all starts with the parents' success or failure in laying a solid foundation for their kids. Where do you start?

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Teach them there is a God. Even though some like to say "there is no God," even though science and mathematics DISPROVE that evolution could have taken place without Him. Something from something is something, but nothing from or added to nothing is still nothing. So there had to be, and there is a something, and His name is God. He is real. He is the truth. He is righteous. He is Love. He is our Father {If you accept His plan of salvation}.

Then, God said this.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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: 6-7

What words? The Ten Commandments. What our American laws were based on by the way.

1- Have no other god before God.
2- Do not commit Idolatry.
3- Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4- Remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy.
5- Honour your Father and Mother, that your days may be long on the earth.
6- Do not murder.
7- Do not commit adultery.
8- Do not steal.
9- Do not lie.
10- Do not covet.

You can find the list in Exodus 20. Or as Jesus said?

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

You have to teach your children that there is a God, that through the adoption of the Holy Spirit, God becomes their Father, and that HE will be with them always. You have to teach them that God's Word on all things is final and absolute. No matter what man may have to say about it. Why is this so important? Because if you know the truth, you will not fall for the lies.

We, as a nation, violate the Ten Commandments daily. America today says things like this.

1- Have no other god before God. “Who’s god? Believe in any god you want but keep it home, No one needs to hear about it.”

2- Do not commit Idolatry. Everyone wants to be famous with many “followers.” Self is growing and perhaps one of the most dangerous kinds of idolatry. Of course, we also have a love of money. Banks have become like churches to some.

3- Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. “Who cares? It is just words. Come on. Get over yourself. We do not even believe there is a god to offend so blank off.”

4- Remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy. “You mean I should not do anything on Saturday? Seriously? We work and live in a 24 / 7 society. Got to make that money.” And that's my party day.

5- Honour your Father and Mother, that your days may be long on the earth. “Says who? I did not ask to be born. I do not even know who my father is. When my mom gets old I will help her out. You know put her somewhere or something. You need to get with the current times.”

6- Do not murder. “You call it murder. I do not. We do not care what the Supreme Court says. We will fight to restore the right to murder, uh abort unwanted children.”

7- Do not commit adultery. “What happens between two grown adults is their business. Not yours.”

8- Do not steal. “From who? Oh, that person who has billions and should just give it to others who cannot pay their growing electric bill? Yeah, I say take it.”

9- Do not lie. “Seriously? Come on. We have whole TV shows about lying AND cheating and doing whatever. Nothing wrong with certain lies. Again, get with today.”

10- Do not covet. “Keeping up with the Jones is good and healthy. It gives us something to strive for. Something to work for.”

Since the removal of God in public, you see people living according to the flesh, and minding the things of the flesh. You see, our country, and in most cases, the world removed God from the public. Then the enemy, yes he is real. The Bible calls him an "angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:14 the "prince of the power of the air" Ephesians 2:2 and the "Day Star, son of Dawn" Isaiah 14:12 Truth is if the devil himself was to open those doors and walk down the aisle, many people would fall to his feet thinking he was Jesus Himself. Or they would think he was some sort of Angel, which is true. He IS an Angel. He is the first Angel. The fairest of all the Angels. However, he is not God.

He attacked God’s version of Family. See how this works together? Used to be and still is God’s plan for the family. One Man and one woman, getting married, and having children raising them up in the ways of God. They would have a foundation and then go to school and those beliefs would be backed up. Dad would be out working, and Mom would stay home for the kids.

So the enemy, Satan to be clear, said let's remove God from the classrooms. Then I will create a reason that both parents have to work. As time goes on, fewer people will be caring for their children. I will create daycare, and I will use nursing homes to “care” for those people who retire from work so they are not around to teach the old ways. It will be compassionate and good in the eyes of the people. So now people will learn mostly from public schools where I have removed God.

The next step I will take is to create a weakness in the man. Divorce will rise and as children grow, they will have little choice then to believe what they learned in MY school system. As generations grow further from the Truth, I will start to add all kinds of stuff in school to dumb down the people.

“There is no God, live as you will.” “Why does Susy have two mommies?.” “Everyone is equal, no one is special.” “No winners or losers.” “Government is good and will take care of you.” “Money is what you need to live.” ETC. What does God say?

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3

They will teach our kids, and many will agree, things like this. “Hey, there is no God, if He was real, why would He let all these bad things happen? Why is He not coming back as people have said for a thousand years?

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“You do not need to go to church. Stay home and enjoy your weekend.”

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

But is this NOT even more of a reason to pray for the world? Look what Jesus said in one of His prayers to the Father.

"I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

A little later He continues by saying this.

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake, I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, {That would be us.} that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:9-11, 15-21

You see, the world’s fate is sealed. We did that. Everything that is written in the Bible, will come to pass. This is why God tells us about it and shows us what to expect. Read Romans 1 and look around. This is also why God created a way for His children to be saved. All you have to do is accept His plan of Salvation and believe that Jesus came and died, yet rather raised from the dead, for YOU. You accept this and ask for and repent for the forgiveness of your sins and allow God to save you. The world’s fate is sealed, yours is not. It is the most important choice you will ever make.

Right now. Wherever you may be. Say this prayer. 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

Do not pray for the world. It is what it is. Rather pray for your Godly Family all around the world. Pray for many to hear the Truth, and allow the Truth to set them free. Pray for those you love that they may hear and accept the Truth. Tell them the Truth. Leave God to worry about the world, until His time is come to end it.

Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Genesis, Chapter 26

 Chapter 26

God's Promise to Isaac

26 Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

Isaac and Abimelech

6 So Isaac settled in Gerar. 7 When the men of the place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he feared to say, “My wife,” thinking, “lest the men of the place should kill me because of Rebekah,” because she was attractive in appearance. 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out of a window and saw Isaac laughing with[a] Rebekah his wife. 9 So Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Behold, she is your wife. How then could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I thought, ‘Lest I die because of her.’” 10 Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” 11 So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

12 And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy. 14 He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants so that the Philistines envied him. 15 (Now the Philistines had stopped and filled with earth all the wells that his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father.) 16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”

17 So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek because they contended with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

23 From there he went up to Beersheba. 24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake.” 25 So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac's servants dug a well.

26 When Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army, 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28 They said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.” 30 So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 In the morning they rose early and exchanged oaths. And Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace. 32 That same day Isaac's servants came and told him about the well that they had dug and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 He called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

34 When Esau was forty years old, he took Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite to be his wife, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, 35 and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.