Psalm 128

Psalm 128

1 Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.

5 The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Introduction, The Forgotten Laws, 2019

Coming up here at T.A.G.

Hey folks,

Happy New year to ya. Hope you all have a good and safe Celebration of the end of 2018 and the beginning of the New Year, 2019. Ah, Yes, the New Year. New beginning. Clean Slate. A chance to begin anew. A time when we make New Year Resolutions. Promises to improve our lives and to make things better for ourselves and our families.

You are going to hear all kinds of things. You may even say some of them yourself. "I promise to lose weight." "Eat less, or healthier." "I promise to quit Smoking, Drinking, and Swearing." Yes, I know there is a joke there somewhere. "Work less?" "Spend more time with the Family?" "Go to Church more?" "Be a better person?" ETC.

Well, why not start off the year, learning what the Law of God really is. Seriously. Do you know the forgotten Laws of God? Does your Church teach them? I'm not talking about knowing where to find them. Can you? I'm not talking about how to say them in order. Can you? Do you REALLY know what they are? Do you, or our Nation, violate them daily? Is it really that big a deal to know them, and to follow them?

"My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart." {Proverbs:1-3}

Does that sound like just knowing how to say them in order? What about this?

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:" {Proverbs 3:1-3}

Teaching our Children the list, The Ten Commandments, in Sunday school, is not a bad thing. Understanding that Commandment 6 says Thou shall not Kill, is a good thing. Knowing that Commandment 5 is the first with Promise, is a good thing. However,,,

"The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." {Deuteronomy 6:4-9}

Understanding the Ten Commandment is more than just counting. 1,2,3,4,5,,6,7,8,9,10. " For the length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Did you know that? Seriously? God even gives us a promise. Follow My Law, and live. Days and Peace will be added to those who do.

It's not just memorizing them. It's not just doing one Study on them. God tells us this.

"My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:" {Proverbs 6:20-23}

The Ten Commandments were not given to Man to make Man's life more difficult. To refrain Man from the things he loves.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." {1 John 5:3}

When asked what we must do to be Saved, what did Jesus tell us?

"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. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." {Matthew 19:16-21}

He told us plainly.

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." {Matthew 5:17-20}

If you love Jesus, you MUST follow the Ten Commandments.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" {John 14:15-16}

The Ten Commandments were given to Man to make Man's life easier. To keep him from the snares of the devil. Understanding, not only what they are, but what they mean, is crucial to every Child of God's growth and Well Being. If we keep them?

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." {John 15:10}

So you see how important it is to not only know what they are but to KNOW what they are. It is really hard to follow something if you have no idea what it is you are supposed to follow. So for the next five times we come together, we will go into an in-depth Study of these, the Forgotten Laws of God, The Ten Commandments.

I remember a long time ago when I was first Saved and one came to me asking me about the Ten Commandments. I remember thinking "Everyone knows them." Well, it was in that moment that I learned, not everyone does. To the Lost, the simple things of God, are not so simple. To the Religious, the simple things of God, are not always so simple. To the Child of God, sometimes it is in that very simplicity, that we get lost.

Won't you join us for the next five times, and get back to the basics. Just like with anything else, if you do not have a solid Foundation, you can, and will, be moved. The Law of God is alive and well. The Law of God is to not only to be learned but followed. It has not changed. It will not be done away with. Whatever, and however, Man, attempts to discard it, does not mean it is not still there, and that God will not hold you blameless for ignoring it.

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

Peter

Psalm 127

 Psalm 127

1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Merry Christmas to You and Yours 2018

Merry Christmas To You and Yours

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus." {Matthew 1:18-25}

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."{Luke 2:1-14}

May you all have a very Merry Christmas, and always remember, there is nothing wrong with lights on the Tree, nor Presents under it, as long as you never forget, the reason for the season is the Gift God gave to all mankind. Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Be Blessed, be a Blessing, and Jesus IS Lord.

Peter

The Gift Series, Part 3, 2018

Always Be Prepared

Never be ashamed.

Think about it. You were once a wretch. A Sinner. Walking in the flesh. Born to die. You were once like the worse Sinning, filthy, repulsive, poor excuse for a Human Being, that is walking the Earth today. Now? Now you have accepted The Gift. Now, you are a new creature. You have been adopted into the Family of God.

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." {Romans 8:15-17}

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}

How did you do this? You simply accepted The Gift. The Gift is Jesus. Rather His sacrifice for you. His blood for your blood. His suffering of the punishment of Sin, the end result of which is death, for your suffering. His death, yet rather Resurrection, as payment for you. He died so that you may have Eternal Life. Not just Eternal Life, but to improve your life today.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." {John 10:10,11}

Remember what Jesus said to Peter? Peter was bragging that they left all to follow Him. Then asked Jesus what they receive for doing so. What did He tell Peter?

"Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." {Mark 10:29,30}

This is The Gift. This is the Truth. Not something to be rejoiced over, played with, and left in the corner to be forgotten. THIS is the ultimate Gift. You have become a Child of God. Jesus came and suffered torture, abuse, and death, for YOU. All you did, was accept the Gift. So now what? Well, Peter tells us, all Saved, all Children of God, that we must all be prepared to share this Gift.

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," {1 Peter 3:15}

Remember what Jesus told us?

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." {Matthew 10:32-33}

Let's look at this a bit closer.

"Honor Christ the Lord as Holy."

First, as a new Believer, you must learn who the Christ is. Get filled up with the Bread of Life, The Word. Get filled up with the Waters of the Eternal Spring. The Word. Spend time getting prepared in knowledge and wisdom. Grow in Christ. Gain knowledge of the Truth, so that your life can become Blessed and you may become a Blessing to others. Become Obedient to Him. His Will and His Way.

"Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

Someone comes to you and says something to the effect of "You know, I noticed you seem to worry about little to nothing. I noticed that you seem to always look for the silver lining in all things. What's up with that?" Or, they come to you and ask, "What makes you so sure your way is better than any other. Seriously. There are a lot of Religions out there. What makes you think you are right?"

Your answer? What do you say? How do you respond? Do you say, "It's just something I believe?" Do you say, "I have faith that Jesus is Lord, but if you believe something else, cool."? Or do you say nothing? What do you say? Why not tell the truth? Say,,,,

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." {John 3:16-18}

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. The Muslims think they are right. The Buddhists think they are enlightened. The Jews do not believe in Jesus. So what makes you right and them wrong?"

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." {John 14:6-7}

"So you are saying without Jesus, they are all wrong. And you are right?" The answer, simply put, is YES. You may even want to share with them this...

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." {John 10:1-10}

The simple answer is YES. Without the key, you by no other means enter the Kingdom of God. Will this offend people? Yup. However, just because one may become offended at the Truth, doesn't change the Truth. Jesus came, suffered, and died for you, and you, are worried about offending someone with The Truth?

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" {Hebrews 10:22-24}

Always be prepared to share the simple Truth. It's not that difficult. You do not have to have a Ph.D., or have spent your life in a Monastery. All you have to tell them is what Jesus did for them. For us all. They take it as close-mindedness, and exclusive to only a handful of people. They see it as some kind of exclusive club that keeps everyone that does not look like or think like them, out. The ignorant see Faith in God, through Jesus the Christ, as equal to man-made Traditions called Religion. It's not. It's not exclusive. It's inclusive. It's not Religion, it's Salvation.

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" {Hebrews 10:22-24}

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Not, as long as you follow this or that, man-made Doctrine. These or those Tenets. Dress this or that way. Be born into this or that Tradition. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." 

"Yet do it with gentleness and respect."As a Child of God, you are also a Sower of the Seed. God calls on us to share The Gift and share it freely. Peter said to the Beggar "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:" {Acts 3:6}

Timothy tells us,,,

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." {2 Timothy 4:2}

In his letter to the new Children of God in Colossae, Paul said this.

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." {Colossians 4:5}

Be prepared "instant." In other words, KNOW the Truth. If someone came to me and asked me to show them how to build a Rocket, I would have to get back with them on this. I'm not a Rocket Scientist. I have no idea. I would have to read and study up on it. If someone came to me and ask my name? Peter. No thought. No hesitation. No worries. "What is your name?" Peter. "How can I be Saved?" Jesus.

This is why it is so important that you learn the Truth. Spend time with God. Allow the Spirit to work in you. So in an instant, once someone comes to you, and they will, and asks you something like, "So Jesus is the only way?" Yup. "Jesus saith, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

"Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." "Yet do it with gentleness and respect." "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Does this sound like a get in your face, threaten Hell and Fire and Brimstone, message? Nope. Simply tell the Truth, and if they accept it, they shall be Saved. If not, move on. As a Child of God, you are His Disciple. Just like the eleven that Jesus appeared to after His Resurrection. Remember, they went back to their lives as they were, before Jesus. Jesus was upset with them over this.

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." {Mark 16:14-16}

The truth is simple. The Gift is Jesus. The Gift is Salvation. There is nothing you can do to enter Heaven of yourself, or by Traditions of Men. By you accepting that Gift, you become a Child of God. There is no other way. God wants you to always be prepared to share the Truth with anyone that asks.

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

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I 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 thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou 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.

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.

Psalm 126

Psalm 126

1 When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

3 The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

4 Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.

5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

The Gift Series, Part 2, 2018

To all the Men out there.

Yes. I'm speaking directly to you. You are the Head of your Household. You are the responsible party. You and you alone are the final Decision Maker, Authority, and Law. I know, I know, some of my more Liberal friends will take issue with this. Some Men I know do not want this role. They would rather the Woman handle all things. Or? They have been conditioned to believe that a Marriage is where the two become one, and all things must be agreed upon by a family meeting and even the Children must have a say.

I understand that some see this as Old Fashioned, Outdated, or even Oppressive and Chauvinistic. However, this does not change the fact it is true.

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." {1 Corinthians 11:3}

Am I saying that the Woman must submit to abuse and or suffer at the whims of her Husband? Of course not. What I AM saying is that it IS the MAN'S responsibility to be the Hunter, Gather, Protector, Provider, Comforter, Decision Maker, and Leader. Men, your Wife is a gift from God.

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:"  {Proverbs 31}

I am Blessed enough to say, that I found a Wife that matches this description.

From Eve, the Woman has always been, is, and always will be a Gift from God. She was created FOR Man. To be "a help meet for him." That is to say "one who helps." The Bible teaches that it is the Wife's duty to help her Husband. God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone." Therefore He gave Adam the gift of Woman. Men, you are to see her as such.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" {Ephesians 5:25-29}

Christ laid down His life for the Church. We should have that love for our Wives. Be willing to do anything. Honor her. Love her. Protect her. Cherish her. Never be abusive. Jesus was never abusive to His Church. That is the point.

However, YOU, men, are responsible. You are the Captain of the Ship that will take you both through the years on this Voyage called life. Adding Children along the way. Where are you taking them?

Whatever your decision is, it will affect all with you. Under your God-given authority. You accept the Gift of Salvation, your entire Household is covered. Don't believe me?

"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." {1 Corinthians 7:14}

In 2 Timothy, we see that once Faith is received into a Family, it remains. It is passed down. Remember, God tells Fathers to raise their Children in The Word. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." {Ephesians 6:4} Faith can become hereditary.

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." {2 Timothy 1:5}

I'm getting to it. What about those Households without a Father, Husband? Then the Mother becomes the Household Leader and the Responsible Party.

Now let's spend some time in Acts talking about Timothy. Timothy's Mother was a Jew, who believed in Jesus. However, his Father was a Greek, who did not believe. Yet, God was able to Bless their House and rise up a Saint, because of Timothy's Mother.

"Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." 

Now again, we see one person accepting The Gift, and the entire Household being covered. Being Baptized even. Continue on...

"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,  And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,  And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." {Acts 16:1-34}

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Then it tells us the Guard "was baptized, he and all his, straightway." This is why it is so important Men, you accept The Gift. If you do not, perhaps your Wife will. But do not blame the Woman Men. It's didn't work out well for Adam. It will not for your either. Women, if there is no Man in your Household, then the responsibility lays at your feet. Raise your Child on the Ways they should go..

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

Men, YOU are responsible for your Family. But if you fail to assume the role, God will use your Wife. Women, if you are absent a Male in your Household, you become IT. But either way, we see that not only is The Gift the greatest Gift you can ever receive, but that your entire Household can be covered as well, through YOUR Faith.

Once you receive The Gift, it is then vitally important to lay a solid foundation of Faith and Truth of God, in your Children. Which brings us to Part Three. We have discovered that The Gift, is Salvation. Eternal Life. Jesus's Sacrifice on the Cross, His death, yet rather, His resurrection from the dead, so that you may live everlasting.

We have also learned that The Gift, not only covers you but your entire Household and can become hereditary, if you will, as well. Growing and spreading for Generations. Remember, God has a Plan and a Purpose for your Life and the Life of us all. He may be dealing with you today so that He can call your Son or even Grandson, tomorrow.

So a gift this important? What do you do with it? Do you receive it with great joy, then put it in the corner to be forgotten? I think not. God says He wants you to always be prepared.

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," {1 Peter 3:15}

What does this mean? We'll talk about it next time. Have you received The Gift? Are you and your Household covered? Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I 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 thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou 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.