Thoughts ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZONPRTOFF dateof comment Look Inside Data Conditions:Order: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13| Dateof Comment 03/02/2024 We can be dedicated to standing against evil and serving our Lord, but we should never lose our enthusiasm for loving each other and for Jesus Christ who laid it all down for us. Revelations talks about when we just go through motions like a machine. Revelation 2:2-6 NLT 2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. 4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. How can we prevent this from happening to us? 1st and probably the most important thing is to develop a relationship with Jesus like you would with your children our spouse. A good relationship with Jesus is energizing to the soul and strengthens your love for him and people. 2nd thing is to get together with other believers and talk about things God is doing. When you hear about the amazing things God is doing it will help you get on track. 3rd thing is that God has a ministry for all of us. That ministry can not only develop our love for people but develop the love of others. Before God had us go into the ghetto, there was not a real lot going on and it was so dangerous that everyone had to be inside before dark. Because of the presence of God, you now see people out after dark. The people whom God has blessed are meeting every Saturday morning giving Glory to God. I believe they love God more now than they ever did in the past. This is the way we should all be. The biggest drag on our enthusiasm is the cares and distractions of the world. The enemy has planned to use this against us, and we need to be aware of it. My buddy has told me how God's ministry has affected the lives of everyone we are around. I feel most everyone loves the Lord more today because of the witness they see in ministry God gave us. We can all change the world for Jesus Christ and keep our enthusiasm for him. 02/29/2024 I have learned that you need to read the entire chapter when someone sends you a verse. Many times, the whole chapter is too awesome to leave out. Psalm 46 is like that. Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Jesus confirmed this: John 14:27 NLT I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! I am on the platform "Telegram" and I monitor the disaster news group. I have seen everything described in these two verses 4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. 5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. 6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! These verses are accurate event today. They describe the movement of the Holy Spirit and the Glory of God. When he goes after those who have not heard about his son "Jesus", there will not be any nation who will be able to stand against his Glory. I have even heard from some of the prophets that God will make a sound that everyone will hear. 7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Even though it looks like someone is trying to get us into a war. His angels are ready to strike for his children. 8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. President Trump was sent by God to destroy anyone who messes with his little children. He did it while he was president, and he continues to fight for the little children now. Because of this he has had the greatest attempts on his life of any man. When Trump was in office there was zero wars. Now look at it. Don't worry, the prophets said that Trump will serve two terms. Like Arnold says, "I will be back". This will really shake things up. 10 Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. If we wait on God plans to unfold, every nation will know God. Even atheists will know there is a God. As big as the Red Sea was, God is going to do something that is much bigger. It is about time that nations begin to honor God and his son Jesus 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. This verse is the same as verse 7. God wants to make sure that we did not miss it the first time. Just imagine what it is like to have an entire army of God in your midst. God has us all covered: 2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 02/27/2024 One of the things I like about President Trump is when he coined the phrase "Fake News". Today's news media will not even try to get it right. John also knew this about being "Fake" while we say we are serving Jesus. He asks us to prove it: 1 John 3:18 (New Living Translation) Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions show the world who we really are. God does not like seeing his children struggle no matter where we are. Each week we get Cosco gift cards to help with gas needs. You would be surprised how many people are praying in today's Kaos to our King to get enough gas to complete their mission. It is tough out there. It really builds people's faith and gives glory to our King when giving gift cards to one of God's children in need. The first thing they thinks is "Wow, they have no idea who I am, but they were prepared with this card to bless me today." Think of the stories that will be told about what God is doing in their lives. Have you ever thought about God's reaction is when real "Not Fake" love is shown. God has given us free will to reject him. But when we strive to please him and git rid of the "Fake", it greatly honors him when we follow through with the things he asks of us. Another thing about loving people is the ability to shift hearts when they begin to realize that not everyone out there is trying to get me. 02/26/2024 I am amazed how many people in the last 100 years who read the end time section in Matthew 24. Jesus is discussing with his disciples about the end times. They blow off verse 14 completely: Matthew 24:5-15 NLT 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Jesus Christ is never coming back until verse 14 is fulfilled. The great commission was to spread the gospel to the entire world, and it still has failed as of this writing. The technology to reach the world has not existed until now. Jesus knows it exists in America and has pleaded with our Father to spare America from her deserved judgement. Between the covenant of the pilgrims made with God, those prayer warriors who got on their knees to save America and Jesus pleading for us. God is giving America a chance to fulfill his Sons's wish. The greatest battle is the nations who still persecute Christians. We are about to witness what God is about to do. Nothing in the past will compare to what he is about to do and no one in the future will witness the magnitude of what our God is about to do. Our God is getting ready to release his Glory in a manner that is going to encompass the whole earth at once. It may start in one location, but it will eventually consume the whole earth. This is what is going to happen to the nations who try to stop what God is about to do: Exodus 14:17-18 NLT 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” Everyone, including the atheist, will know he is God. God wrote about this event that is coming in Joel: Joel 2:28-29 NLT The Lord’s Promise of His Spirit 28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. Have you ever thought about what the Glory of God might look like on this large of a scale. Exodus talks about God on the mountain: Exodus 19:18 NLT All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. We all know that the Holy Spirit is going to be part of this: Acts 2:1-6 NLT The Holy Spirit Comes 2 On the day of Pentecost[a] all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. 5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. Could you envision verse 3 "Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them." If the Glory of God falls inside of a building, someone may call the fire department to put the spiritual fire out. No building will be able to contain God's coming Glory. What if God's Glory would fall on an entire city? We know that the devil runs when God's Glory is present. Every leader of this world would be like Pharoh not being able to stop the movement of God's Glory in their country. You should be glad that you were born in a period to witness God's Glory. There are millions who have died already who would love to be in your shoes now. God did not make a mistake with you being alive at this time. He has a plan for your life to intensify his Glory. Every one of us could be like Ester: Esther 4:13-14 NLT 13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Gods sometimes hides us from the enemy until he is ready for us. Who knows if perhaps you were made for just such a time as this?” If you do not know, ask God to reveal it to you and go where he sends you. And this is who we are doing it for: Hebrews 1:3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. God's coming Glory is going to wreak havoc on the enemies' plans. God's Glory is also necessary to complete the final harvest. Could you imagine how God's Glory would transform the church? Jesus is excited for it all to begin! 02/21/2024 I don't know about you, but I am sure getting tired of all the injustice in the land. I watch how President Trump is guilty of everything and everyone on the left is wanting to take him to court. Everything is always proven bogus, but they continue on while our judges go along with the charade. Then there is Joe Biden who has been caught taking money from China, his son is evolved in so many corrupt schemes and the election fraud. Yet not a single judge really cares enough to go against all of the corruption in our judicial system. As individuals they throw us into prison or censor us if we stand for the truth. I know that it is difficult to go through what is happening, but God has something to say about this: Isaiah 10 New Living Translation 10 What sorrow awaits the unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws. 2 They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy among my people. They prey on widows and take advantage of orphans. 3 What will you do when I punish you, when I send disaster upon you from a distant land? To whom will you turn for help? Where will your treasures be safe? (Even in Isaiah's day the judges were being bribed as they are today) 4 You will stumble along as prisoners or lie among the dead. But even then the Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike. (This is what God is about to do today. I am like the disciples. "Lord, can we call fire down from heaven like Elijah did and consume them all." Of course, in the end of the story the disciples were rebuked.) Be careful when you say God is slow at fulfilling his word because he has been waiting for his people to humble themselves and pray for the destruction of evil in the land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 New Living Translation 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. Matthew 7:8 NLT For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Could you imagine that one reason God may be slow is because no one was willing to ask him for a solution to the problem. I have heard this one from people who say America is so evil that we need to be judged by God. Remember when God was getting ready to destroy Sodom that he had a discussion with Abraham why he should not destroy the city. It would have worked except the whole city was corrupt. America is not as bad as Sodom yet and we need to ask God not to destroy her. Luckily for you and me there have been prayer warriors praying to change God's mind. He is going to change America for his Son so that America can help him reach the whole world to know Jesus Christ. America is still so involved with pleasure seeking that we have a difficult time seeing what evil is going on around us. It also easy to be selfish and we say, "Yep, it is not bothering me, so I am not going to make a stink about it." We then go on our merry way as things continue get worse. God is always looking for people who care enough that they will ask him what they can do to change the situation and let him take care of the rest. God does want us to change and get involved. God even wants our judges to repent. Peter commented on why things seem slow: 2 Peter 3:9 New Living Translation 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. Prayer is still the answer. We all need to bring this word that Isaiah wrote down. And we pray to see his promise fulfilled. I believe that he is probably is doing this already. But he likes to know that we are interested in removing evil from the land. This verse from Isaiah is encouraging because it tells us that God is not going to let this go on forever. I am praying that God will bring up new judges and lawyers who are not afraid to live for Jesus Christ. Just imagine what our legal system would be like with judges and lawyers who loved Jesus Christ. Who knows this might be the end of lawyer jokes? 02/18/2024 This is the greatest love that was ever shown: John 3:16 New Living Translation 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. After Paul served God for many years, the disciples had to admit that he understood God and the Holy Spirit better than anyone. With what God has shown him, he also understood that nothing can get in the way of God's love. Paul lived a life apart from God before his encounter with Jesus and then stayed with God the rest of his life. In Romans he wrote: Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This verse describes how awesome our God is and is meant to Glorify his name. But it also says while we may be under the influence of sin, he still loves us. Do not push God's love or you may experience this: Acts 5 New Living Translation Ananias and Sapphira 5 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” 5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” 9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” 10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. Instead, we should humble ourselves to the God that loves us that much that no force from anywhere cannot stop his love. His Son loves us just as much and came to represent the Father. If the pleasures and sins of the world are greater than serving Jesus, you will probably experience this: Matthew 10:33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Paul was an amazing man, when he was about to be executed for serving Jesus, he was encouraging Timothy who was getting discouraged by the persecution going on in his church. Nothing was going to stop Paul from loving and being there for Timothy. If only we could all love like God does. I believe our love can grow but we have to use it just like Paul did. 02/15/2024 There are many places in the Old Testament that talks about the for coming of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 talks about how much God loves us: John 3:16 New Living Translation 16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John brought up a good point about how awesome our God is in one of his letters. 1 John 4:10 (New International Version) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. God sending his son was never based on a condition of our love. If we didn't loved God, he still would have sent Jesus no matter. This is what true love does. Just remember though Jesus paid a tremendous price for us, and God will not allow his Son to be mocked. Jesus holds the keys to heaven. Matthew 7:13-14 New Living Translation The Narrow Gate 13 You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Jesus said only a few find the proper path. He also said why: John 14:6 NLT Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. It looks like Jesus hold not only the keys to heaven but the keys to our life too: Matthew 11:29-30 New Living Translation 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Who do you know who will do for you what Jesus wants to do for you? Do not expect Jesus to perform for you if you reject him. Without his protection you will be more vulnerable to the deceptions of the enemy to the point of possibly losing your salvation. I want my life to invest itself into heavenly real estate. The "Lake of Fire" is the only other real estate that "how you live your life" will invest in. Even the devil does not want that property. His life is sealed to live there but as long as you breath you can repent and become a follower of Jesus Christ again. This is another unearned gift that Jesus Christ gave us just because he loves us. 1 John 3:11 (New Living Translation) This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 02/14/2024 I just discovered that there are eleven commandments instead of ten. This is the eleventh commandment: John 13:34-35 (New Living Translation) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Just by living this commandment you will discover it will be impossible to break nine of the original commandments dealing with people. The first commandment is: Exodus 34:14 NLT You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. I firmly believe that if we love people like Jesus wants us to that we will want to give Glory only to the true God. Instead of calling it a commandment we should call it an amendment to God's original law. It does make it more powerful. This is the goal Jesus is looking for: Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. People need to know that we are real especially if we want to bring their souls into the Kingdom of God. 02/13/2024 Paul new the importance of love and how it can empower a church and bring souls to Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 13 New Living Translation 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Man, look at all the things love entails: Love is patient and kind - I think of all the grandparents who have prayed for 30+ years for their children and grandchildren being patient and kind to their children with the faith that God will bring them home. This goes for wives who are praying for their husbands for that day of salvation. Putting up with people doing stupid things can challenge our patience and kindness. Only love can soften these feelings. There are times though when patience or kindness is not an option. Jesus demonstrated this when he threw out the money changers at the beginning and end of his ministry. They were degrading the temple which should represent the Father. Some of the spiritual battles we face may require our immediate attention also. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud- Jesus is the only one who can sit at the right hand of the Father, and he knew that place was for him. But he came to earth as a servant that washed feet. He spent his ministry bringing souls into God's Kingdom. The rest of the time he was training the disciples to take over when he had to be the last sacrifice for our sins. He did this while the best seat in the house was his. If only we could encourage people and spread the gospel with the attitude Jesus had. This is what love does. It does not demand its own way - I am not into basketball, but I have heard about one of the Denver Nugget players. He is extremely good at what he does but he has found out that using the skills of other players along with his talent makes him even look better. If you want a powerful church, then you need to learn to work with other people. God intended for us to combine our talents to further his Kingdom. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged- This is what the forgiveness of sins about. I have a lot of respect for a person when the action of one person cannot get under their skin. When we truly understand how we behave and how Jesus handles it, we can apply that principle to others who seem to get under our skin. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out - I do love this one, but God's timing and planning may seem like he is not doing anything about the truth coming out. I do believe we are going to see a lot of truth coming out in 2024. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance - People who are praying for other people face the attack of the enemy who wants us to quit and go to a place where God does not want us. This is not love but self -pity. True love is like praying for someone's salvation who continues to fight it. Like I have said before, some have prayed 30+ years with what seems like nothing is happening. It is so cool how they never give up. Their faith keeps their hope alive even if that person wants nothing to do with you. I have witnessed it in our ministry God gave me. There was a grandfather who was prayed for those 30+ years for salvation. When his granddaughter read one of these comments to him his barrier dropped. He is a different man serving Jesus now. Keep praying and there will be event that will change their world too. Never forget about the ultimate love verse: John 3:16 (New Living Translation) “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 02/10/2024 When you come across evil, how does it make you feel? David had something to say about it: Psalm 97:10 (New International Version) Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. What does hate mean? The dictionary defines hate as: verb (used with object) to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest: verb (used without object) to feel intense dislike, or extreme aversion or hostility. noun intense dislike; extreme aversion or hostility. Hostility is mentioned in the definition many times. What is the definition of hostility? hostility noun opposition or resistance to an idea, plan, project, etc. acts of warfare. David says that if we love the Lord that evil should be lighting a fire under us to the point where we should be standing against those things that disrespect our King. Burning down abortion clinics is not what he means. We still have the right in America to voice our opinions against evil. If we continue to sit still, we will lose our ability to stand against evil. That same verse also says that our God is not bound by men, and he plans to defend us against the wicked. I am ready for God to take out the evil people right now. Sometimes we feel that God is too slow at vindicating us. Peter explains why this happens: 2 Peter 3:9 New Living Translation 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. Micah describes what Peter wrote more: Micah 7:18 New Living Translation 18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love This is still more proof on how much God loves us. 02/06/2024 When we are born our minds are basically empty. God knows this and so does the devil. It is a race to see who gets to fill our minds first. This is why God asks us to bring up our children teaching his ways. The devil has no honor and can deceive us to go his way with a variety of tricks. God only can use the truth which has one path. Psalm 33:4-5 (New International Version) For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. King Solomon was the wisest and richest man who ever lived. He discovered this to be true: Proverbs 21:21 (New Living Translation) Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Jesus had the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in his time and also figured it out: Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Solomon definitely saw this principle come true: 1 Kings 3:7-14 NLT 7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.” Remember that we serve the same God as Solomon did. You may never see the great wealth that Solomon experienced but you will be much better off living for God. Never forget that God does not desire us to be poor. There are things in his word that ask us to take care of widows and people in need. You cannot do any of those things if you are broke. What can bring more Glory to our King than a "wise and understanding heart"? Watch out! God may even honor you before men like he did King Solomon. 02/04/2024 Have you wondered what it was like when David was trying to stay one step ahead of Saul. I believe it could be as exciting as a "mission impossible" movie or like the "Bourne movies" where the government is out to get you. In Hollywood you can predict the outcome because it is written on man's script. For David it was different because God had the only script. David had to learn who he could trust and still remember who his God was while this was all going on. I wonder how many of the enemies plots where foiled because God himself foiled them or they were leaked out from the enemy themselves. David was constantly on the move (one big adrenalin rush) even asking for bread from the temple. It seemed like Saul was never far behind in getting him. When that day came when David was released, he sang NOT SPOKE words that only glorified God: Psalm 18:1-2 (New Living Translation) For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. The rest of the chapter summarized the things David was experiencing up till this MILESTONE moment: 3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. 4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. 5 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. 6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. 7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. 8 Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. 9 He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. 10 Mounted on a mighty angelic being,[b] he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. 11 He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. 12 Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals. 13 The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals. 14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused. 15 Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. 16 He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. 17 He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. 18 They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord supported me. 19 He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. 20 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. 21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. 22 I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. 23 I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. 24 The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. 25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. 26 To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. 27 You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. 28 You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. 29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. 30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 31 For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? 32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 33 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. 34 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. 35 You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help[d] has made me great. 36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. 37 I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. 38 I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet. 39 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. 40 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. 41 They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer. 42 I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt. 43 You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me. 44 As soon as they hear of me, they submit; foreign nations cringe before me. 45 They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds. 46 The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! 47 He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me 48 and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. 49 For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. 50 You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever. Do you know that we serve the same God David did? We even have Jesus Christ as our high priest to represent us. This even gives us an edge over David. As you read this chapter, I am willing to bet you are not facing anything worse than David did. God did not place this chapter to fill some white space in a book. He put it there because he wants us to know we can have victory over our enemies by giving ourselves to him like David did. 01/31/2024 God gives us all abilities. These abilities are not the same for everyone. The only thing I know for sure is that our abilities were given to us in order to glorify our King. Some can sing and rock the house with beautiful worship. There are those who are creative and can turn a bunch of pop cans into a fighter jet. Our abilities also allow us to earn wages to live. Those who have greater abilities may make more money then those who have less if they are willing to work. God expects all of us to develop our talents for him. Don't let the enemy trick you into saying you have no talent or my talent is dumb. Your talent may be more important to what God needs now then someone who is in a position of worship. The devil found out the hard way that he could be replaced. Trust God that he did not make you from junk and he has a plan for you: Jeremiah 29:11 New Living Translation 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. It is cool to be good at doing things that others may find difficult or even impossible. This can be dangerous in the fact you may begin to elevate yourself above others. If you find yourself changing friends because they become inferior is a real problem. If God is removed from the center of your life you may experience great defeat and/or embarrasement when God bring forth someone with even greater talent. If you have a servants heart like Jesus, James said let Jesus lift you up in honor. Now this would be cool being honored by the King of kings: James 4:10 (New Living Translation) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. Paul confirms this in his letter to the Ephesians. He also mentioned that we are dealing with people who are not perfect including ourselves. If we have love we will be patient and make allowances for our faults. Ephesians 4:2 (New Living Translation) Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. How do we know if our minds are in a humble state? Paul has a plan: Philippians 4:8 (New International Version) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. There is a lot of good stuff in chapter 4 that can help get our minds into proper focus. Philippians 4:6-9 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. They will know you by your fruit!!!! 01/24/2024 One of the most dangerous verses in the bible is Mathew 7:1. People interpret the verse that as long as I don't judge what other people do that God will not judge me. This is one of the biggest lies of the enemy. They need to read to verse 3: Matthew 7:1-2 NLT 1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. In order to know what sin is you have to make a judgment call on what is sin. Then you sit back and twittle your thumbs like most Christians do. Paul says the contray. Get off you butt and help a fellow brother or sister get back on the path: Galatians 6:1 (New Living Translation) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Before we can truly help out a brother or sister we need to have some self-control of the sin in our own life. We do not want to fall into the same trap. Mathew warns about this: Matthew 7:3-5 NLT 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. This next verse requires some discernment from the Holy Spirit. There are people out there who have given themselves to the enemy and God wants you to walk away from them: Matthew 7:6 6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. If you still think that God will not judge you, you need to read these verses: (Remember that the sins that Jesus Christ has forgiven will not be remembered by God either. God is interested how we lived our lives for him.) Psalm 37:13 But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. Proverbs 11:4 Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. Isaiah 2:11 Human pride will be brought down, and human arrogance will be humbled. Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment. Isaiah 2:17 Human pride will be humbled, and human arrogance will be brought down. Only the Lord will be exalted on that day of judgment. Isaiah 2:20 On that day of judgment they will abandon the gold and silver idols they made for themselves to worship. They will leave their gods to the rodents and bats, Isaiah 3:18 On that day of judgment the Lord will strip away everything that makes her beautiful: ornaments, headbands, crescent necklaces, Isaiah 22:14 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has revealed this to me: “Till the day you die, you will never be forgiven for this sin.” That is the judgment of the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Ezekiel 7:10 “The day of judgment is here; your destruction awaits! The people’s wickedness and pride have blossomed to full flower. Ezekiel 39:8 That day of judgment will come, says the Sovereign Lord. Everything will happen just as I have declared it. Hosea 10:15 You will share that fate, Bethel, because of your great wickedness. When the day of judgment dawns, the king of Israel will be completely destroyed. Amos 5:18 Warning of Coming Judgment What sorrow awaits you who say, “If only the day of the Lord were here!” You have no idea what you are wishing for. That day will bring darkness, not light. Amos 6:3 You push away every thought of coming disaster, but your actions only bring the day of judgment closer. Micah 7:4 Even the best of them is like a brier; the most honest is as dangerous as a hedge of thorns. But your judgment day is coming swiftly now. Your time of punishment is here, a time of confusion. Zephaniah 1:7 Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord, for the awesome day of the Lord’s judgment is near. The Lord has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has chosen their executioners. Zephaniah 1:8 “On that day of judgment,” says the Lord, “I will punish the leaders and princes of Judah and all those following pagan customs. Zephaniah 2:2 Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord’s anger begins. Malachi 3:1 The Coming Day of Judgment “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Malachi 3:17 “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Malachi 4:1 The Coming Day of Judgment The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. Matthew 7:22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ Matthew 10:15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. Matthew 11:22 I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. Matthew 11:24 I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.” Matthew 12:36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:41 “The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent. The motto of this comment is everything has to be judged in order to know right from wrong. It really pleases God when we stand up for out King against the evils of the enemy. God is not going to support the lukewarm anymore. We need to be hot for him. 01/22/2024 I have been hearing a lot about the Jezebel spirit attacking our nation and even Christians. Do not think you are safe from it because it caught Elijah and John the Baptist off guard. Jesus said this about John: Matthew 11:11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! God demonstrated to both Johns who the Messiah is by the Spirit descending on him. John 1:29-34 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ 31 I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. 33 I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” With the boldness of Elijah, John the Baptist stood up politically against the marriage of Herod: Matthew 14:3-5 3 For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). 4 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. This action sent John to prison when the enemy challenged John. This spirit causes fear and we began to doubt our calling or what we know. This is also harmful to our faith in these moments. Elijah ran to the desert to hide where he began making false assumptions that he was the only one left and Jezebel had more power then God. John could not run and was so unsure of his calling that he sent his disciples to find out if Jesus was real: Matthew 11:2-4 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Jesus is the master of communication in his response:) 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” It is easy to fall into this trap because this spirit is so prevalent. This is why we need to pray and bind the enemy to overcome this Spirit. Ask frequently: Matthew 7:7-8 (New Living Translation) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. This spirit is harmful to your spiritual health in so many ways. Lord I pray that you keep the spirit of Jezebel away from all your children and give us the insight to recognize it. 01/20/2024 We all know that we are supposed to model our lives after Jesus Christ. But what if we don't? When David came back to his senses, he repented and asked God not to forget him. He really shared everything on his heart that was bothering him. I would not be surprised that some of us may have experienced what David had before we came to give our hearts to Jesus: Psalm 38 NLT A psalm of David, asking God to remember him. 1 O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage! 2 Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me. 3 Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins. 4 My guilt overwhelms me— it is a burden too heavy to bear. 5 My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. 6 I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. 7 A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. 8 I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. 9 You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh. 10 My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. 11 My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. 12 Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery. 13 But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. 14 I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. 15 For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. 16 I prayed, “Don’t let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall.” 17 I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. 18 But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. 19 I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. 20 They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. 21 Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. 22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. God did restore David because his story was in many books in the Old Testament. The real sad part of Psalm 38 is that these two verses never go away: 19 I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. 20 They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. Jesus, who never sinned, experienced this when he was doing what the Father asked of him. We will also experience what he experienced if we serve him: Matthew 10:25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! This one comes with a promise. Jesus smiles when we live for him. He will acknowledge us before the Father: Matthew 10:22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. Others who are "truly" Gods children will want to support you as you walk for Jesus. They too will be excited for you to succeed. You will not be alone. You also need to be excited and encourage those who have their own walk with Jesus. You will make a difference not only to God's "real" children, but you will bring Glory to Jesus Christ when they see how you live. 01/18/2024 We live during a time when there are so many cool gadgets and cars that can put a lot of fun in our lives. This temptation to have it all can take us away from serving our King. Paul understood what this temptation was like and had something to say about it: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (New Living Translation) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Even though God says that the temptation will not be greater than we can bear, God still wants to be part of the solution to help us avoid these temptations. Pay attention to the word "temptation". The biggest lie the enemy tries to convince us is that we do not need God to prevent bad things from happening in our lives. Jesus knew that we cannot endure everything that life dishes out and wrote: Matthew 11:28-30 NLT Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Jesus loves us so much that he wants to help his children get through their struggles. Don't insult our King by living for the world and using him for the last chance to get out of trouble. He will not be mocked. 01/16/2024 We all have a sinful nature, but I have found out it is easier to control it if someone is watching. No one wants to be busted or embarrassed by a behavior because someone is watching. If we are serious about who Jesus is, Paul has the answer: Galatians 5:16 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The Holy Spirit wants to be so real to us where he appears like someone who is here in the room in the physical. I have observed those who truly walk with the Spirit live a Godlier life then those that distance themselves from the Holy Spirit. One of the gifts of the Spirit is self-control. We still may still sin, but the number of occurrences will greatly drop. Other benefits the Holy Spirit provides are peace, freedom from fear, and the ability to forgive others. The coolest thing the Holy Spirit has is direct communication to the Father. So, when we let the Spirit pray for us, we can expect big things to happen to us. Take advantage of the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent us when he returned to the Father. Everything Jesus did was by the power of the Holy Spirit because he was as human as we are. That same Spirit will help us reach the unsaved and perform the same miracles that Jesus did. John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 01/12/2024 Isn't it interesting how often that things of life eventually come against us. We finally realized that we can't do everything ourselves and turn to God for answers. David himself had these moments: Psalm 118:5-6 (King James Version) I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? God really does have a place for us. We may not even want to go there. But when we are where God wants us to be, he will be there with us in a big way. As long as he wants you to stay in this place, you will become invincible to any man. If you leave where God called you to go, you may see what other men will do to harm you. We know that apostle Paul's place was Asia. Which to me is a pretty large place. Paul was where God wanted him to be. Acts 27 talks about how the wind and the storms could not destroy him. He even warned the captain to what was about to happen if they left harbor. Our God always has a way out even when those around you are evil. When Paul prayed when the wind was about to destroy the ship, God answered his prayer quickly and saved everyone's life onboard the ship. That is another thing I have noticed is on how fast God answers prayers when we are praying about where we are supposed to be. Acts 28 talks about everyone being spared from the shipwreck. Paul was helping create a big fire when a Viper bit him. He just threw it in the fire and kept on going. He knew that God called him to go to Rome and understood that it would not happen if he was dead. If you don't know the story of my buddy, he too had a period when he was in distress. When he called out to God, he brought him to east Denver to reach out to the gangs. God has always protected him from danger until he tried to create his own place and almost died. He realized what he did and apologized to God for not listening. Even when we are in God's place, he can make changes if we ask. He was always getting banged around so we prayed that the leaders would prevent his men from laying a hand on him. God changed this immediately. We still had the pistols that were always drawn and even placed on the back of his head while reading God's Word. We then prayed that when he had God's Word in his hand that would be the cue to put their pistols away. God answered that prayer immediately. Now the gang members are looking for my buddy to ask him questions about forgiveness and they usually are hungry. He will be one of many who would tell you that God's place is not boring. If you have fear in your life, let God direct you to where he wants you. He will then always be by your side. The enemy will lose his power because of his presence and men will have no control over you. Don't go solo and lose what God has to offer. 01/05/2024 Look how Isaiah relates to Titus in my last comment. More proof God's word is never changing. Isaiah 1:16-17 (New Living Translation) Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah was from centuries past, but the only difference from each was in the words each man used. The biggest priorities are getting that sin out of our lives and learning to do good. Titus 2:12-14 NLT 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
