Poor Leadership

More trouble in Paradise. Leaders are saying one thing on camera and then denying that they ever said it. A double-minded person is unstable in every way. Stop following these people......follow God!

S.O.A.P.

5-1-2015         Luke 1:14-17

S.       15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

O.      John would live a dedicated life and lead many to God.

A.      Living differently than others has always been a hallmark of the dedicated Christian. Avoiding sin and compromising situations defines what it is to “be” a Christian. Being “filled” with the Holy Ghost is the secret to success in overcoming sin.

    P.       Father; fill me with the Holy Ghost and display your                     Grace through me. Amen.   

Welfare?

Wake up, wake up, daylights a breaking; peas in the pot and hoecakes a baking. This is the little song my father-in-law would sing each morning (as loud as possible) to awake the house, happy and ready to enjoy life. He was always thankful for the simple necessity's of life. He worked hard and never ask for anything he did not earn himself. He never was envious or greedy, never wanted charity. How do you stand concerning this welfare world we live in? 

10-21-2014    Mark 6:7-13

S.       7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

O.      Jesus gives power to the twelve. This power is over unclean spirits. They travel from place to place and stay in worthy homes. The worthiness of a home is decided by the manner in which the gospel message is, or is not, received. The home is to be judged by the disciples and a sign of un-worthiness is explained.

A.      Jesus gives me power over all un-clean spirits. This is power over sin and satan thus giving me power to live, as Jesus lived on earth as a man, without sinning or being overcome by evil spirits. I will not use the excuse; I am only human…..therefore I must sin. I will believe God’s word and the example of Jesus’s sinless life.

P.       Father; I claim power over sin, in the name of Jesus. I believe you and your promises. I am dead to sin because of Calvary for I have confessed and repented. Lead me Lord by your Holy Spirit that I may live in the center of your perfect will. Amen.  

Deviants

I will give my sermon notes to the Mayor of Houston if she will read aloud every word to the city council in open session. She might help some hurting person to hear the truth.....and be saved, healed, delivered or just be encouraged. If she is confident in the decision to live her gay lifestyle, why is she afraid of others that want to live their lifestyle. Simple statistical comparison shows that "she" (and others like her) has deviated from the norm. There are more people unlike her than like her. Makes you think.

10-16-2014    Mark 5:21-24

S.       21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

O.      Jesus is asked to come and heal a ruler’s sick daughter. As they are traveling to the ruler’s house large crowds gather and hinder their progress.

A.      Large crowds are often present when Jesus is teaching and preaching. This would make it very difficult for him to travel from place to place. Not one time do I see Jesus complaining or upset by this difficulty, he just kept moving toward his destination and ministering as he went. I must be careful about complaining in difficult situations and be sure to minister (represent Jesus) as I go.

     P.       Father; thank you for showing me this aspect of how Jesus dealt with problems. I want to be like Jesus and                       minister to others, even in my difficulties. Fill me with wisdom, love and grace. Amen.  

What do you want Jesus to Do?

They that worship God must worship him "In Spirit and In Truth".  Much of the current noise about worship leaves this scripture completely out of the conversation. To worship in the spirit you must be filled with the Spirit....not sin. 

10-14-2014    Mark 5:15-17

S.       15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

O.      After Jesus cast out the demons all the people were afraid and ask Jesus to leave.

A.      I must not become afraid of supernatural events. God is always the same and his ways are not always understandable. I will embrace and believe each miracle in the Bible. I will seek to draw closer to my Lord and conquer fear.

P.       Father; I seek to overcome all my fears and worries. Heal my mind and touch my spirit. I praise you and invite you to use me in this dark hour. Amen.

No Fear!

8-10-2014      Acts 24: 6-9

S.       6 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

O.      Tertullus lies to Felix about Paul’s profaning of the Temple, Paul was lawfully in the Temple, and he exaggerates the actions of Lysias in securing Paul away from the mob.

A.      We must be ready to hear lies and exaggerations told about us. The Devil must use lies because he has no truth in him. God will redeem us according to his will!

P.       Father; Take away all my fear, worry and doubt. Secure me in your arms as the storms pass my way. Amen.

Tertullus: The Mouthpiece of Satan

8-9-2014         Acts 24:1-5

S.       1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

O.      Tertullus begins his legal accusations against Paul in the court of Felix.

A.      Those that walk in righteousness may face prison, torment, shame and public disgrace. We must trust in God to fill our mouths with the words that will honor him. It is an honor to be called “a child of God”. May we walk worthy of this title, even in times of distress?

P.       Father; I commit myself to you, body, mind and spirit. I put my faith, trust and confidence in your ability to protect me. You are my God, I will serve no other. Amen.

I will Not be HURT!

7-27-2014      Acts 21:37-39

S.       37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?39But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

O.      The captain holding Paul finds out that he has the wrong man in custody. Paul still wants to speak to the very people that have hurt him.

A.      We must communicate with people if they are to learn who we really are. We must not lose our compassion and love for the ones that have hurt us.

P.       Father; cleanse my heart and mind of thoughts of retribution towards those that have hurt me. Teach me how to communicate love and forgiveness to each one. May people see more of you in me! Amen.

Gossip

7-25-2014      Acts 21:25-

S.       25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

O.      The Jerusalem elders declare their understanding of the status of gentile believers. Paul begins his days of cleansing (under Jewish law). The Temple is shut and a mob tries to kill Paul based on rumors and lies.

A.      All too often we react to information before we know the facts. Information can be wrong, out of context and even miss-spoken. The source of the information is the matter in question. Very reliable people, good people, honest people and even Christians will “share” information that is later found to be incorrect. Second hand information is usually the information that is incorrect.

P.       Father; Guard my lips that they speak only the things I have seen with my own eyes. Grant me discernment to know when to speak and when to keep silent. Amen.   

Don't Lie

7-10-2014      Acts 19:18-20

S.       18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

O.      Conversion brought about public repentance and the destruction of items affiliated with the former lifestyle. A true and public response as proof of a change in the life of a believer is always needed.

A.      A change in the life of a person who becomes a believer normal, almost required. Without change how will anyone know that a conversion has taken place? Not all change is instant. Some people change over a period of time (Sanctification) but “all” do change!

P.       Father: expose my life to anyone who will, or may be, converted and follow Jesus. I put my trust in you Lord to guide my steps in the paths of righteousness…that others may see, and believe. Amen.

No Faith---No Results

7-9-2014         Acts 19:13-17

S.       13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

O.      Non-believers are trying to perform miracles and find that they have no power or authority. This failure causes many to change their mind concerning Jesus.

A.      Everything of a divine nature must begin and end with Jesus. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. I will seek to have Jesus as the very center of my life rather than someone I have only heard “about”.

P.       Father; wash all my sin away, I confess, I repent and I seek to have his redeeming blood cover me both inside and out. Use me today to help others in their walk and lead me to one that has never heard the words of life. Amen.

Speaking of Crime.

6-24-2014      Acts 16:35-40

S.       35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

O.      Paul makes it clear to the magistrates that he was wrongly beaten and put in jail but he does not seek retribution. Paul spends some time back in the home of Lydia before leaving town.

A.      Being wronged and treated badly is an unpleasant part of life. How we react to this treatment is a reflection on our Christianity and our God. Paul spoke out and exposed the truth of his ill-treatment but did not strike back. I must leave the punishment of wrongdoing to God and stay busy spreading the gospel.

P.       Father; I give the ones who have wronged me to you to deal with. Help me to keep a loving and forgiving attitude towards each one. Touch my spirit and clear away the bad memories. Show me your path for this day and strengthen my body for the tasks ahead. Amen.

Doctrine

6-12-2014      Acts 15:1-3

S.       1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

O.      This clash of doctrine sends Paul to Jerusalem to settle the matter. Along the way to Jerusalem Paul shares the news of gentile conversion and this brings much joy.

A.      Joy should always be the product men’s lives being saved by faith in Jesus. Doctrines are a necessary product of growth and development within the church.

P.       Father; lead me to people that I can help find salvation and joy. Give me the message and the method to properly share your love, hope and joy through Jesus. Amen. 

When man takes credit

5-26-2014      Acts 12:21-25

S.       21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

O.      Herod is judged by God and dies. The church grows and Mark travels with Barnabas and Saul.

A.      Man should never take credit for the mighty works of God. When God uses me to deliver a message, a healing or prophesy I will be careful to give the glory to God. I am a vessel, to be filled and refilled, poured out and filled again and again, a vessel not an angel or king or anything that is worthy of exultation.

P.       Father in Heaven; remind me of the danger of pride and self-exultation. Reveal the path for me to walk that will truly bring glory to you. Help me in my weakness to be courageous and submitted under your loving will. Amen. 

Politics before God

5-25-2014      Acts 12: 18-20

S.       18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

O.      Herod kills the guards that were on duty when Peter was set free by an angel. The local politicians start maneuvering to get back into a good standing with Herod.

A.      Sinful man will go to great lengths to avoid admitting that a “supernatural” event has taken place. Politicians will always look out for themselves and try to attach to the current leaders in power. I will attach myself to God…..in every situation…..even when I am un-popular and scorned.

P.       Father; I seek a right standing before you. Wash away all my sin, fill me with your spirit and lead me in each step I take. Amen.

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

Part 1

First I will look into the dictionary and discover what I can there.

1.            A transitive verb…….gives up resentment <forgive an insult> …….grants relief of payment <forgive a debt> ……not feeling anger at the offender <forgive our enemies>

               This is the earthly idea of forgiveness. These words cover insult, debt and enemy wrongs but do not make reference to the divine.

               (a.) Insult: to do or say something that is offensive or shows a lack of respect. How can life be lived and be insult free? How can respect always be given? There is only one answer to these two questions……they can’t!

               (b.) Debt: the state of owing money or respect, allegiance and honor. Everyone has debt!

               (c.) Enemy: someone who hates, attacks, tries to harm, threatens or opponents in war. How can enemies stop being enemies?

This word (Forgiveness) offers solution to life’s most difficult situations. By eliminating insult, debt and enemies mankind solves countless problems. Forgiveness seems to require a great deal of inner strength and self-control. One must somehow erase insult, offence, debt, hate and hurt and proceed forward as if nothing happened. Can we do this? Can we put aside pain, insult and live together in peace? Is mankind even capable of this noble idea? The history of man is filled with glaring examples of destruction, domination and murder over insult, wars fought because of money, riches and resources and generational hate maintaining enemy status between nations. Why do we live like this? What do we gain? Why is forgiveness so rare? Are we humans dominated by selfish, I’m the only one that matters, ideas and emotions to the extent that we would eliminate other humans before we eliminate hate, insult or debt? It would seem so.    

Peter's First Sermon

4-6-2014              Acts 2:12-21

S.            12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

O.           Peter begins his first sermon; defending his brethren against wrong accusations, declaring Joel’s prophesy to be fulfilled and describing the “end of days”. Peter also opens the way to God to “whosoever” through Jesus, The Christ.

A.           Applying these scriptures will require a lifelong effort. I am one of the “whosoever” and very thankful for that. I am filled with the Holy Ghost (1968) and thankful for that. I must be living evidence of these two gifts in a lost and dying world. There is an “end of days” coming and I must be ready, prepare others to be ready, while never breaking fellowship with God.

P.            Father; you fill me with joy, peace and love: I am grateful. Speak to the world through me. I surrender all that I am to you. Amen.           

SOAP >> Matthew 27:11-26

S.         Matthew 27:11-26   11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

O.        The second stage of the trial; the Jews maneuvering before the governor to influence him into doing their bidding. Jesus is identified as the “King of the Jews” by the governor and Jesus becomes silent. The Jews have a criminal released (Barabbas) and Jesus is sentenced to be CRUCIFIED!

A.        Pilate and his wife knew that Jesus was innocent. From within their very souls the truth cried out to them. I must free my soul to listen and obey the voice of God crying out to me each day. My soul knows right from wrong even when my mind swayed by man-made ideas. The knowledge of sin is resident in the soul of everyone. Like the crowd in Pilate’s Judgment Hall we can be led into failure and sin when we fail to follow the truth. Only one thing blocks the voice of God, SIN. There is only one way to conquer sin, JESUS. Pilate may have washed his hands in water... but he was not made clean.

P.         Father; wash me clean today and re-new a right spirit within me. I will follow your Holy Spirit,  use me as you will. I surrender my will into your hands as your servant. Amen.  

Four of my sweet grand babies when they were still little.