Do Not Worry About Things Out of Your Control

It is NOT out of God's.

Worry can lead to much worse, than that of which you are worried about.

In life, as the old saying goes, stuff happens. Stuff always happens. Things go wrong. Things turn out to be "bad." People worry. They worry about the little things, all the way up to, and including death itself. So today, I want to talk about worrying about those things you can not change.

We are in a pandemic. People are getting sick. So severely, some have died. The world shut down for the first time ever. We are faced with a new normal of social distancing and face masks. People have been forced out of Jobs. People have lost businesses. People are afraid of what comes next.

So here you are, sitting home, fearful of the future. I know some that go to work every day, fearful that it is their last. Is there anything you could have done to stop the loss of your job? Probably not. Is there anything you can do driving home, to change the fact you lost your job? Nope. So why worry about it?

You have an unfair advantage. You really do. Remember, you are a child of God. Remember, God promised you, your needs will be met. Remember, Luke 12:22-32

"And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

You see, as a child of God, The God of gods, the King of kings, the Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, is your Daddy. You think He will not meet your needs? Think of the rich man. Would he not give all he has to his son or daughter if they became in need? Of course. God is far richer than the richest man. So you do not have to fear the loss of a job. You also do not need to kill yourself trying to make that next dollar. As a side note.

When you think about what reality really is, and you come to the recognition of who you are as a Child of God, a job is nothing to worry about. What about those that worry about war? World peace? Famines in other parts of the world? Worry about the end of the world? What about those that worry about what others think of them? Worry about crime. Worry about sickness. Worry about the choices their loved ones make?

Truth is, none of this really matters. You do not control world governments. You do not control sickness and disease. You can not make the decisions your loved ones need to make on their own. Even your kids. You do not control crops. You do not control the world.

Truth is, what is important for you to think about, is who you are. Learn who your Father is. Did Noah control the flood? Nope. He built an Ark to ride it out because God told him to. He obeyed God. Did Job worry about losing everything, including his health? Nope. He endured it. Did Jesus Himself control His torture and crucifixion? Nope. He endured it because He knew it must come to pass.

"I do not have enough money to pay the bills and to Tithe." What did Jesus say about paying taxes?

"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21

Trust me, that 90 percent will go far further than that 100 percent would ever come close to.

"I worry about what others will think of me. This whole Faith thing. So many people pick on it and call people that have Faith names and think that they are stupid. I do not want to be thought of this way." Remember what Jesus told His Disciples, He is telling you also, that many will not hear His Word. But that is no excuse for telling them the truth. In Luke 10:1-12

"After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town."

God is your Daddy. In most cases, He is NOT theirs. Who is smarter? You are a Child of God. As Romans 8:28-39 declares,

"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.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died more than that, who was raised who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or 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."

There is nothing that a thief can do. Nothing any other human can do, to separate you from the love of God. There is nothing anyone can do to you. including the taking of your life. Remember what Jesus even said about fearing those that can take your life?

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

And in. Luke 12:4-5

"And I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!"

If someone comes up to you, points a gun at you, and pulls the trigger, they may end your time on earth, but the Word declares this in 2 Corinthians 5:8

"Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

I want you to think about this. Jesus is telling you that you should have no fear. The worse thing anyone could possibly do to you is to end your time here on earth. They can only do this if God allows it. After that? What more can they do? Nothing.

All this pandemic can do in it's worse stage is to end your time on earth. There really is nothing to fear whatsoever. This is because, once you become a child of God, you become an heir to the Kingdom. I use Colossians 3:10 when I give the Prayer of Salvation because it makes it clear. 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." The new you is immortal. You will be in a far better place. You will be in Heaven. With the Lord. So who wins? Even the devil himself cannot win against you. Do you remember when Jesus was talking to Peter? He told him that the devil wants him?

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 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

I can not even imagine what Peter was thinking here. Here he is, with the Lord of lords. The King of kings. Here he is with Jesus himself. He watched Him walk on water. He walked on water with Him. He watched Him raise the dead. He watched Him do miracles. He just told him that Satan wants him. I have no doubt that he thought Jesus said "No, you can't have him. He's with me." Nope. Jesus said, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." So in essence, He said "OK" What? Wait. What?

Temptations will come. The devil will tempt you. Bad things will happen. These things will happen, if you believe them or want them, or not. But God knows who you are. He knows your heart. He will strengthen you. He will comfort you. He will forgive you. But do not think that as a child of God, you will not have to face trials and tribulations. No. Greater than you did before, you will now. Don't worry about them. You can't change them. All you can do is endure. Learn from them. Strengthen others afterward.

The end time. You can find Jesus talking about this in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, and of course, you can find it in detail in The Book of Revelation. Jesus comes right out and tells us, there will be wars, sicknesses and diseases, famines, natural disasters, and this.

"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near." Luke 21:20

All these things are coming about. We can see these things all around us. But Jesus said, "Be not terrified." He is forewarning us that these things will happen. We can't change them. We can't stop them. There is nothing we can do. So why should we worry about them?

People worry about the silliest things. We really do. What is not in our control, we should not worry about. We must trust in God. He knows our hearts. He knows our minds. He knows what is going on in our life. He knows more about it than we do. Do you know, right now, there are two coworkers or yours, talking on the phone, and plotting how to get you into trouble, because of whatever reason? God does. Did you know that your car is about to break down? The computer chip is going to fail today on your way home? God does. Did you know the devil is going to meet you today, and tempt you with something that sounds incredible? God does. Do you know if you will give in to the temptation? God does. Do you know right now that there are Governments plotting and planning attacks on each other? God does. God is God. He knows all things always.

Some things in life, some moments in time, are completely fixed. They MUST come about, for whatever reason. You can't stop them. You can't change them. You cannot even avoid them. They WILL happen. How you chose to deal with them, will affect you more, than the events themselves. Why worry about the things that you cannot change?

Trust in God. He is your Father. Have faith in Christ. He is your Savior. Listen to the Holy Spirit. He is in you. You are a blood-bought, duly cleansed, Child of God. Worry? "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Some things are not ours to change, but for us to endure. Why worry about them? But as a Child of God, endure you can.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Are you sure? Are you comfortable knowing that the signs are there, and we may see that cloud with Jesus returning in our lifetime? If you have never done so, say this Prayer? Say it in your own words. Mean it from your heart. Remember, God, KNOWS your heart.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now you need to find a church that God leads you to and be baptized the way Jesus said to be. But 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 Now stop worrying about everything. Your Daddy knows best.

Until next time, be blessed, and Jesus IS Lord!

Do your Part

Not complete without you. 

Hey folks,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you want to comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord! 

Now More Than Ever?

Assisting the poor.

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

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

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

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

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

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:14-17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house." Malachi 3:8-10

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

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

"And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." Malachi 3:8-10

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

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

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Time

What is time? 

We live in a 24-7 society. Used to be we would, mostly then, the Man of the house would go off to work. Mostly? Monday through Friday, 9-5. Saturdays were fun days and family days. Shopping for fun, sometimes grocery shopping was done then. Sunday? Church, and a big family dinner where we talked about life, with all its hopes and dreams. Stores? Closed. It was family time.

As time went on, and greed increased, we started keeping stores open on Sundays. Hours increased to feed the need for greed. We started being told we now have to work 10 hours a day. Then all the way up to 11 pm. Then 24 hours a day. Then even Holidays and Holy days became a free game. We are told, if you want to work for this or that company, you will work all hours day and night and Holidays or they will find someone else to. Then came the need for not one, but two paychecks per household.

Now let's talk about technology for a second. We can now get whatever bits of info we need in a second. We have things that are built for no other purpose than to speed up time to achieve our desires. From Microwaves to Coffee Pods, to apps for this and that, we have become accustomed to imminent gratification. However, this is not natural in life. Time really does not matter.

I want you to think about this. Let's look in Genesis 5 for a second. Just look at a couple real quick.

"Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh." "Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan." "Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch." "Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son and called his name Noah," Yup. That Noah. Now, look at this. Genesis 5:32

"After Noah was 500 years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth." 

Jump to Genesis 7:6

"Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth."

Now we read a bit later that God decided to limit Mankind's lifespan a bit more since the flood. However, the point is this. There were 24 hours in the day, 365 days in a year, back then just like today. It took Noah to the age of 500 years old to father the seed of mankind and be told by God that God's purpose and plan for him were to build the Ark. Then it took him 100 years to do so and then God fulfilled His Word to Noah and brought the flood.

Imagine for a second. I tell you, I will bless you richly and I will do this or that. In today's time, if it did not happen in the next day or so? What about the next year? 5 years? 10? When would your patients run out? When would you stop believing I was going to do what I said?

Look at Abraham. He was Abram for the first 99 years of his life and became Abraham and was told by God that he and his wife, who was also very old was to become pregnant and indeed did. {Genesis 18}

Look at Moses. God told him that he was to lead God's people to the promised land and they ended up in the desert for 40 years. {Exodus 16:35}, {Numbers 32:13} At the end? God did just as He promised again. Look at Job? How long did he suffer in excruciating pain? One passage states that his friends sat with him in silence for 7 days and nights. {Job 2:13}

What about the fact that we are still suffering evil, pain, and sickness and disease when Jesus said He was coming back to wipe all these things away?

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 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. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness," 2 Peter 3:8-11

The point is, time is simply a man-made concept and idea. As we sit in our homes during this pandemic, wondering when will it all end, and crying out that we are not being heard by God, think about these things. How long is too long? What is time anyway? We say 24 hours. We could have said 30 hours made up of 45 seconds a minute or whatever. The Sun will rise and set as always per God's plan. Who are we to dictate to God that He does anything, let alone rush what He may very well have planned out. Or at the minimum, allowed to happen. He was not surprised by this. Any of it.

We are what? Most are home. Home with their families. Most are healthy and trying to stay that way. Most have food, some have toilet paper. Someone will get that. Most are doing ok. Think about this for a second. What has been shut down? Businesses, Money has been put on the back burner. Sports and entertainment venues have been shut down. Malls have been closed. Useless even if enjoyable, things have been all but done away with.

Now, look at the positives. Faith, Family, and yes, even in this quarantine freedom is ruling lives. Thousands of churches all around the world are now online reaching more people than ever in the history of the earth. More people heard the Easter Message, the Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ, this Easter than any other time in history.

Is this a bad thing? This pandemic? Is it a punishment? Is it going to be around long? Why are we having to wait for an outcome? I don't know. Neither to you. Neither do they. We are all in this together. As children of God, we need only trust in Him. Know that He is with us and He is in charge of all things. Pray to Him. Spend time with Him. Read His word. Share His word. Love one another and let the days worry for themselves. It is what it is. But He is who He is. He is greater than all.

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a Sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus and His Sacrifice for me. I believe that He raised from the Dead. I repent my Sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is just that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.{2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus is Lord!