Pockets Part One

Devil's Pocket

Hello. Welcome, today. I want to demonstrate something. You Sir, You Madam, do either of you have two, oh I don't know, two Twenty Dollar Bills? Yes? Let me see them. Put them in your hand and hold them out. Now I look at them and reach out and take this, one of the Twenties, and I fold it and put it in my Pocket. {Walking back to the Stange.} Thank you.

I want everyone to look at this person. Go ahead and put the other back where you got it from. Now? I ask you this. Which one of the Twenties do you think they are concerned with? Which one do you think they are thinking about. Yup. This one. {Patting Pocket}

No. They are not the slightest concerned with the one in their possession. Why? Because it is in their possession. They have total and absolute control over it. They can use it for whatever purpose they see fit. No. They are thinking about and concerned with? The one in my Pocket.

Why? Of course. It was theirs and I came and plucked it out of their very hand. I took it and left. It was theirs, and I took it and they know they will NEVER get it back. How do you think they feel? Angry? I bet. They may have either paid bills, bought stuff with it. Whatever. But now it is gone. I have it. So they are going to do everything they can to destroy it. Why? If they can't have it why should I? They are going to do everything they can to make sure that I do not take any more from them.

The Devil is the same way. You are the Twenty. You are either in the Devils Pocket, or you are in God's. There is no other choice. There are no other Pockets. Simply put, you either belong to the Devil or you belong to God.

We are born into the World. We are born into Sin. We are born into the Pocket, possession, and control of the Devil. Sorry. Just the Truth We read over and over again in The Word, that Satan, the Devil, is the god of this World.

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4

Here.

"in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience" Ephesians 2:2

Here is another. Jesus talking here.

"Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out." John 12:31

Speaking of Jesus, remember what He said to the Religious Leaders of His day? Not the Prostitutes, or Tax Collector. Not the Sinners living in Sin. No. The Religious Leaders?

"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

I know a lot of people think that as long ass they are "Good People" they will be ok. Be kind. Be compassionate. Accept everyone for who and what they are. Just try to love people and be good. You know. Don't hurt people. Don't rob a Bank. Don't dance naked around a fire chanting the Devils name. You will be just fine.

This is the World. This is Holywood. This sadly is even some Religions. However, this is NOT the Truth. This is NOT Biblical. Truth is, if you have not accepted the Truth that is Jesus, you belong to the Devil.

"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

Read that one part again. Highlight it, Underline it, Memorize it. "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." Condemned already. You do not have to do anything. You belong to the Devil already.

This is why. God created all that is, was, and ever will be. According to Genesis, He created all things and then created Man, and gave him authority over all things of this World.

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”" Genesis 1:26

Mankind had all authority. The Word calls it dominion. What did we do with it? We bowed before and gave our dominion over to, Satan. {Genesis 3} Satan lied to them. Tempted them with the same temptation he fell for, and they yielded up to him all dominion.

Remember when Satan was tempting Jesus? He Tempted Him in three steps. Physical needs. The validation of The Word, and Jesus's Faith. Third? Pride and Greed.

"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”" Matthew 4:8-9

The Devil could indeed Tempt Jesus with this because it belongs to him. We gave it to him. It is his. Remember, the Word calls him "The God of this world," "prince of the power of the air," and the "ruler of this world." To name just a few. When you are born into this world, you are born into the family of the Devil. In total and complete control of the Devil.

As long as you stay in this condition, you cannot be saved. You cannot hear God's Word. You cannot please God.

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:5-8

Look at the clear difference in what the World says, and what God says.

God says;

1 Have no other god before God.
2 Do not commit Idolatry.
3 Do not take the Name of God in Vain.
4 Remember the Sabbath.
5 Honor your Father and Mother.
6 Do not commit Murder.
7 Do not commit Adultery.
8 Do not Steal.
9 Do Not Bear False Witness.
10 Do not Covet.

The World says;

1 Any god will do. All are equal.
2 Statues of Saints, Mary, and Jesus, can and have worked Miracles.
3 It is only belief and Language. No big deal.
4 Who cares? We live in a 24-7 Society we want everything NOW or yesterday.
5 Nursing homes and Retirement Centers
6 Abortion.
7 No big deal.
8 It depends on the reason. Maybe justified.
9 Gossip. Even entire Entertainment venues about Gossip.
10 Greed is good. Keeping up with the Jones is normal, healthy, and good.

If you are in the world, and you belong to the world, you will see nothing wrong with a lot of Sin. You will be told and accept as a fact, that compassion is always good and there really are no absolutes. No real Sin. Good and bad are relevant. Truth is even relevant.

When you stay in the Devil's Pocket, you may even prosper. Satan my even "bless" you richly all your life so you do not think there is a need for anything else. Many feel this way. He will lie to you until the end. But then, once it is too late, what are you going to do? When you die and stand before God, what are you going to say? Even though the Devil may "bless you" richly, what are you going to do in the end? As Jesus asked.

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" Mark 8:36-37

God is willing to pluck you right out of the Devil's hand. Right out of the Devil's Pocket. Are you willing? 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 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!

Jesus in the Old Testament, Haggai

Jesus in Haggai

Jesus made this Statment.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me,"

Haggai is said to be the first of the Post Exile Prophets. He was active after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Haggai means ''Festive'' or ''Festival of the Lord.'' The task before these people was the rebuilding of the wall and the city of Jerusalem, the restoration of the Temple. Of course, as often happens, they soon forgot the Lord. Haggai preached four sermons to this returned remnant, during a period of three months.

We begin in Haggai 1 The neglect of God's House

"In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? "

So God rescues them out of Babylon. Soon after their freedom, they build up their homes yet they forget about God and leave His Temple in ruins. God commands them to rebuild His Temple.

Think about this. This is what Jesus does for us. He comes and rescues us from the Bondage of Sin and Death. He saves us and sets us free. We ourselves become the Temple of God. We are Saved from Sin, evil, even death, then eternal damnation. How soon do we forget what God does for us? How soon we just go on living our lives and doing the things we want to do.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own," 1 Corinthians 6:19

God wants us to build up His Temple. Lay a solid foundation with His Word. strengthen the Walls with Faith, and put the Roof on with Grace, Hope, and Love. Open the Doors and allow the Holy Spirit to come in and dwell with you always.

Jesus made this Statement.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." John 14:18-21

Then a little bit later He continued saying this.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." John 14:26-27

How do you think you would feel if someone invites you over to their home, and when you arrive it is trashed and filled with garbage. It is open and all kinds of things are invited in and come in doing all kinds of stuff. Remember the story Jesus told us about the Demon Spirit?

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

You ARE a House. A Temple. You are housing either an Evil Spirit or the Holy Spirit. God wants you to build up and strengthen His Temple. You.

"Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God," Haggai 1:13-14

They heard and obeyed God's voice and did as He told them. He said, "I am with you." Just like when we hear and obey God, Jesus tells us He is with us.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Then we go to Chapter 2

"Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, and say, ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts." Haggai 2:2-7

We know that this time or as many others call it, "The Day of The Lord," is coming. Nothing will stand. Nothing will survive unless they filled by and protected by, God.

"Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur." Revelation 19:17-20

Jesus said this. Although all these things are coming,

"But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:13

Take back the Temple. Rebuild it. Cover it. Allow God to come in and strengthen it. In time, He will also Glorify it.

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 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!

He Sees You

Jesus can see your troubles.

First, I want to start out by saying this. God is NOT, some old breaded guy, sitting on s throne, leaning over and staring at you, just waiting for you to mess up. No. He is not waiting for you to stumble or fall, fail or Sin, so He can throw you into Hell. Truth is, He condemns no Human Being at all.

Having said that, we do need to talk about this. Yes. He does see you. Yes. He is watching. Yes, He does this because He loves you.

It is easy to think you can hide from God. We read things like this in Genesis.

"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”" Genesis 3:8-9

So see? You can hide from God. No. you can't. God saw what they did. Why do you think He showed up? He saw them. He also knew exactly where they were hiding. He called them out for them to come forward and confess their Sins and Repent. The first recorded event of this type. Since then, this IS the method. Come forward. Confess your sins, God forgives you.

“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

But we would like to believe that unless we call out to God, He can't see us. We like to believe that He does not see that thing we are doing in private. He doesn't see our daily lives unless we invoke His name, we are somehow invisible to Him.

How sad would this be if it was to be true? Imagine if we were simply going on with our daily lives and a storm came up. Something terrible came. Something came upon us that could even cost us our very lives. And God could not see it? We did not have time to invoke His name, so I guess we would just die. This is simply not the truth.

"And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened." Mark 6:46-52

Lets fully examine this passage a bit more. First, notice this. They thought they were alone. They were simply going about their business. Although some would say they were going about God's business and not simply their own when a storm came upon them.

Notice carefully this verse.

"And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them."

Read that again. Highlight it. Underline it. Memorize it. "And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them." Jesus was not with them, yet He saw them. He was watching them. He saw them in trouble. What did He do?

"And about the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking on the sea."

Now, wait a second. Notice this. "And about the fourth watch of the night," Was this right away? No. They were struggling to make headway. They were fighting their circumstances. They were suffering if you will. In His time, He what? "he came to them, walking on the sea." He came to them. But wait? Keep reading.

"He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified."

"He meant to pass by them," Wait. What? He saw them in trouble, and He meant to pass by them? He did not come to help them instantly? No. Why? Because He knew there was no threat. He was in charge of the situation the whole time. But they were fearful because they did not know the outcome. They were not in charge of the situation. They were terrified.

"and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” "

So we see that He saw them. He delayed His coming to them because He knew the outcome. He was not worried about it at all. We also see that He heard their "Prayer." He heard it instantly, and He answered them. Then due to their lack of faith, He had to come to them and resue them.

"And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased."

There was never any real danger. They were going to do the Will of the Father. They were going to do what Jesus asked them to do. He was watching them. He was in charge of the situation the whole time. Nothing was going to happen to them that would prevent them from accomplishing what Jesus wanted them to do.

Yet they did not know what was to come. They did not truly understand all the things going on around them. They did not see the big picture. They doubted. They feared. They forgot who Jesus was and what He could do. Jesus saw them. He heard them. He understood them. He came and Saved them.

God is watching you. He sees you. He sees your struggles. He knows your Heartache, He knows the outcome. Trust in Him. He is in charge. With us on our own? It truly is impossible. But not with God.

"But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”" Matthew 19:26

Nothing catches Him by surprise. He can calm any storm. He can do all things. Simply trust He is watching, and know He is in charge. 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 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!

Jesus in the Old Testament, Zephaniah

Jesus in Zephaniah

Jesus made this Statment.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me,"

Zephaniah was active during the time of Josiah, a time of temporary Revival. Not only did he see the judgment that was soon to fall upon Israel for her Apostasy. {A total desertion of or departure from one's Religion, Principles, Party, Cause, etc.}Then, he looked down the ages to the judgment of the whole world. And beyond that, he also envisioned the time of Universal Blessing to follow. He was very big on ''The day of the Lord.''

"The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah." Zephaniah 1:1

We see that He starts out telling Zephaniah, that He {God} was going to wipe out Judah. Then in 1:7 we read this famous Phrase for the first time.

"Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests."

Then in 1:14-16

"The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements."

We know that "The Day of the Lord" IS still to come for the World. Jesus is He that will come following the sounds of Trumpets.

Revelations 8:6

"Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them."

Then in Revelations 11:15 tells us of the Seventh and Last Trumpet to Blow.

"Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” "

Of course, we know what happens following that. Armageddon.

As we read in Zephaniah 2, God is going to judge all those who are enemies of Judah.

"“I have heard the taunts of Moab and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted my people and made boasts against their territory. Therefore, as I live,” declares the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Moab shall become like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah, a land possessed by nettles and salt pits, and a waste forever." Zephaniah 2:8-9

Then In Chapter 3:18, we read this.

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed."

First, remember, as a Child of God, you ARE His People. There is no Jew or Greek, Bound or Free, Male or Female. We are all one. Jesus said this to make it plainly clear.

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Luke 11:23

"The Day of The Lord" is coming. Paul writes this would be the way things would be at near the end times. As you read this, take a second. look around. Tell me you do not see these things being lived today.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:18-32

Just like in the days of Zephaniah, the enemies of God, are mocking, abusing, and simply hating on, God's Chosen People. That would be you and me. The World wants to call us simpletons and foolish. But we know what God thinks about the Wisdom of the World.

Just like in the time of Zephaniah, we are being warned to repent from our sins and be the Children of God that we are, and do not worry about our enemies. "The Day of the Lord" The day of Jesus, is coming. Are you ready?

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 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!

Every Other Answer

Is Temporal

I come to your home. I knock on your door. You invite me in and I sit on your couch. I place a briefcase on your coffee table. I say to you. "I have seen your troubles. I know your heartache. I understand your situation. In this briefcase, there is the answer to all your financial problems. All you have to do is take it. Pay off your debt. Buy your home outright. Live the rest of your life without a financial concern ever. Then come and live with me when the time comes."

You say, "I like the concept. However, I do not believe in you. I will take care of myself." I get up and leave.

Or you say, "I like the concept. However, I do not like the briefcase. Give it to me another way." I tell you "No. There is no other way." You say, "But I know there is. Others say all kinds of stuff. I know you are rich and powerful. So? How about you solve all my problems, and give me whatever is left." The answer is "No." "Well,  I do not want to live by anyone else's rules. I live for me." I get up and leave.

So what happens? Nothing. No. Lightening is not going to strike you dead. Well, I don't think so anyway. The earth is not going to open up and swallow you. Truth is, you may find peace with someone else. You may live the rest of your life in peace and grow your wealth and place it all in a bank. You say to yourself, "Forget the stranger. I need nothing."

Then all of a sudden, an Asteroid or some other kind of "Total Extinction Event" happens. Your bank? Gone. Money is gone. Home is gone. Everything you know is gone. You look up at the coming storm that is going to make you gone, and you see the Stranger. He is lifting others up who have the briefcase in their hands and bringing them to safety. You cry out. "Save me too."

His answer? "I tried. It is now too late. I do not know you.' You cry out. "But I didn't know about all this. It's not fair." The Stranger says "No, all you needed to know, all you ever needed, was in the briefcase. You rejected it. It was all you needed. Again, it is too late."

God is the same way. He comes and knocks. You open the door and He comes in. He sits on your couch, {He comes to you wherever you are, in the middle of your Sins} and says to you. "I have seen your troubles. I know your heartache. I understand your situation. I love you. Here is Jesus. In Him is all you need. He will wipe your debt clean. He will restore all things in your life. When the time comes, come, and live with me."

Now you can say "I like the concept. However, I do not believe in you. I will take care of myself." Or you could say, "I like the concept. However, I do not like Jesus. Give it to me another way." Or something like "I believe in you, God. I know you are all-powerful and the Creator of all there is. But I do not like the concept of having to believe in this Jesus."

"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

"But many Religions out there say many things. They do not all have Jesus. So there have to be many paths to Heaven."

Religion is NOT Salvation. Any Religion that does not have Jesus as the center, is a lie. Sorry. It is simply the Truth.

"This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”" Acts 4:11-12

Once you accept the fact that Jesus came and died for your Sins, and believe He raised from the dead, you are Saved. You are adopted. You become a Child 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 8:17

It is not about Religion. It is about Relationships. It is not about Legalism, but Lifestyle. It is not about Laws, but Love. Once you accept Jesus, your debt is wiped free. The debt of Sin and Death. Your slate is clean. You can live the rest of your life knowing that there is no longer anything that can ever separate you from God.

Then something even more incredible happens. When the time comes, you will go and live with Him. As the storm comes and wipes out everything here on earth. The banks, toys, cars, homes, everything, when others are looking up at God and crying out. You will be in His hand.

What about earthly debt? Money? Jesus put it this way.

"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:15-21

Jesus also tells us this.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Simply put, every other answer is temporal. Everyone. Every Religion that does not have Jesus, is a lie. Jesus also said this about the End Time.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." {Matthew 7:21-23}

There is only one answer. One solution to all things. Only one Salvation. One God. His name is Jesus. There is no other way. When the time comes, and it is coming, you can and will go to live with Him. As long as you accept His Gift.

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 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!

Jesus in the Old Testament, Habakkuk

Jesus in Habakkuk

Jesus said this.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me,"

We come today to the Book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk the Prophet lived in the days of Josiah, who is called the last "Good" king of Judah. As Nahum had to bear the burden of Nineveh, so Habakkuk was chosen to bear the burden of Judah, who would soon fall to the Babylonians.

Habakkuk's name means ''embracing.'' Like most Old Testament prophets, Habakkuk saw judgment, dispersion, and future glory focusing mostly on Jehovah Himself.

As with many of the Prophets, we see Habakkuk starts out by crying out from within the Sin filled World. He starts by complaining of the Sin and what he sees as a delay in God's response to it.

"O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted." Habakkuk 1:2-4

God's answer was that he sees Sin. He sees the evils. He is working on something that Habakkuk cannot see nor understand. This cry out is common and is still asked by Christians and non-Christians today. Why? Why is there so much Sin in the World? Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Jesus Himself answered this question.

"The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."" Matthew 13:24-30

He does not want to harm the Righteous. His chosen people. This is why He allows the Evil to be in the World as we speak. For our sakes. Peter explained it this way in 2 Peter 3:9

"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."

God always and is currently, giving everyone fair warning, and more than enough time to repent. As we jump ahead to Habakkuk 2, we read the Lord Himself state this and then we come to this famous verse.

"“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Then Verse 4 says this.

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."

Paul quotes it here.

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”" Romans 1:17

In Hebrews 11, Paul lists many examples of things accomplished and people justified by Faith. In Galatians 3:11 Paul writes this.

"Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”"

Habakkuk wraps up with this being one of his last words.

"yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Who is the ''God of Salvation''?

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 

There is only one. Jesus is. There is no other. The first, the last. The beginning and the end. The Alpha and the Omega. The Great "I Am." Others can believe whatever they chose. They can listen to God and heed His warning of the coming destruction, or not. They can choose another way that they think may be more to their Sensibilities.

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

No matter what is going on, always keep your faith in Jesus and know that He is in charge. 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 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!

Being Spiritual Is

A Thought Process

Did you know that being Spiritual begins with, is controlled by, and is simply a Thought Process? That's right. It IS all in your head. We live in a world of regrets, and sorrows. worry and hate. Fear and even death. When you dwell on these things, you will become fearful, hateful, and even fall away from God.

"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14

Paul writes this in Romans 8

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

Wait. Read that again.

"Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Why is this? Because we live in a World filled with Sin and Death. God is not the Lord of the Dead, but of the Living. He is not a Lord of Sin, but a God of Love and Righteousness. Paul continues on and writes this.

"So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8:12-17

Simply put, we are no longer OF this World. We are not controlled by it. We do not have to answer to it, {So to speak.} This is no longer our Home. We are Citizens of Heaven.

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19

You have to stop thinking about all the things of this world and start learning of the things of God. Of your Daddy. However, just like being Worldy cannot please God, being Worldy cannot receive from God.

Jesus was talking to the Religious Folks of His day. Not just Religous, but Rulers of the Synagogues. He said this to them.

"Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." John 8:43-47

Religion is NOT Salvation. Never has been. Never will be. Please do not ever make that mistake. Being Religious means nothing if you leave out the Key. The Key is Jesus. The Key is doing what He commands us to do. The Key is to keep our minds of the things of Heaven, God, Jesus, and His Word. James put it this way. Again, he was talking to Religous People.

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4

You cannot be both. You just cannot. You cannot live a Worldly Life, seeking the things of this World, and be Godly and Seek the Kingdom of Heaven. You simply can't do it. Peter warns us in this way.

"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:11-12

Jesus tells us we need to have no fear of anything in this world, including evil people.

"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."

No. Child of God, being Spiritual is not some great and unsolvable mystery. Being Spiritual is not even as hard as you think. Simply? Think up.

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2

Stop thinking of all the negative.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

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 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!