10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,....

I am ready and I am watching the Eastern sky. Jesus will come in an hour that you think not. I want Jesus to come and remove his children from this wicked, evil world. Please set aside all your sin. Confess to God, invite the saving Grace from Jesus into your heart, mind and soul, turn completely away from sin and live each moment as if it were your last........it might be just that!

9-12-2015      Luke 11:24-26

S.       24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

O.      Spiritual danger when one would backslide.

A.      I must never go back to the sin that I have been freed of. Jesus must be the center of my thought and actions. The cost of failure is too great.

P.       Father; I surrender my life and my will to you today. Not my will but thine, be done, Amen.

Rapture

This is the month of an open window. The 13th to the 15th of September 2015. Are you prepared to be "caught away"? Are you watching? This may be the the day and hour Christians have been waiting and longing for..........BE READY!

9-4-2015         Luke 10:25-37

S.       25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26He said unto him, what is written in the law? how readest thou?27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

O.      The Good Samaritan.

A.      I must be a good neighbor to all I meet in order to represent Jesus as an ambassador.

P.       Father; touch my heart and mind with mercy and grace and open my eyes to the ones that I can help. Amen.

Is God Smiling?

This is not a time of panic and fear, worry and grief, hate and anger. This is the day of preparation, repair and renewal. Jesus is coming to catch away his Bride. We must be ready and watching. Fill your mind with his word, his promise and his faith. Repair your broken relationships. Renew your soul in the Spirit of forgiveness. Joy will fill every corner of your being as God smiles upon you from his throne.

7-28-2015      Luke 7:40-50

S.       40And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.41There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.48And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.49And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

O.      Jesus forgives a woman her great sin.

A.      I must never see sin as “big or little”. I must forgive all sin against me, and learn how to treat people as if they had not sinned.

P.       Father; grant me divine help to forgive and to release all bitterness, grudge and hate. Teach me to love as you love. Amen.

7-29-2015      Luke 8:1-3

S.       1And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

O.      Women are included in those that ministered to Jesus and his Apostles.

A.      God calls who he will whether man or woman. I shall not follow man-made rules concerning the role of women in the church.

P.       Father; give me discernment of the Spirit as to who you have called and the self-called. Amen

7-30-2015      Luke 8:4-8

S.       4And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

O.      The parable of the sower.

S.       I must sow the seed of God’s word, some will produce a crop and some will not.

P.       Father; guard me from discouragement and fear that I may keep on sowing your word. Amen.

Overcome evil.....with Peace!

More killing, more violence and more hate is the news of the day. There is a famine in this land. The missing element is peace. How do people who are about to die at the hands of Isis keep their faith? They are filled with peace. Peace is the evidence of a pure heart, clean mind and a sanctified soul. After walking down this path of faith for over forty years I still find myself needing more peace. I worry too much, I fret too much and I complain too much. God has given me every need along the way, healed my body, lifted my head, restored my vision and cleansed my soul. My peace is hurt when I focus too much on the news instead of on my Savior. Yes, this world is in sad shape, but my Lord has overcome this world and he will help me overcome as well.

7-24-2015      Luke 7:18-23

S.       18And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another? 20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another? 21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

O.      Jesus sends word back to John of who he is after demonstrating his power.

A.      I must live my faith by my actions, my deeds and by my words.

P.       Father; you have given me power to live a victorious Christian life. Teach me your values and increase my faith. Amen.

Jesus is soon to return......YES

Jesus is real and he will soon return for his Bride. I believe this with all my heart, mind and soul. I want to be ready and watching for this blessed event. Many times I become so involved in the events of a busy life that I forget about the world outside and all the crime and hate. But then I watch the news and I am reminded. I don't panic or dread because I know God and my faith tells me that he will never leave me or forsake me. I see the signs, I know the truth and it all says: Jesus is coming.

7-23-2015      Luke 7:11-17

S.       11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, that a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.17And this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

O.      The dead is raised.

A.      I was dead in sin and Jesus raised me to life. I will tell the world of my glorious Saviour.

P.       Father; thank you for the knowledge that even the dead can be risen. Thank you for your love, mercy and grace. Amen. 

He is not here!

He is not here! These words ring loud in my spirit this morning. I will use these words as my sermon this morning. As I looked towards the eastern sky at sun rise I did nor see Jesus return.....He is not here. I am looking for his return to catch away his Bride. I am looking forward to the reunion of family and friends. But for today, I must say, He is not here.

S.O.A.P.

4-5-2015         Romans 13:14    Easter Sunday

S.       14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

O.      Embrace Jesus and stop sinning.

A.      Sin is not a part of the believer’s life. Christians should HATE sin. Our love for Jesus is proved by our avoidance of sinful actions and words.

     P.       Father; Thank you for the power of Grace that gives me strength to avoid sin and live in                   victory. Amen. 

His return may be today.

Are you ready? Are you watching? Jesus is closer than anyone can imagine! You have seen these words many times and nothing has happened, so, you keep going along just as always. You don't believe that it will ever happen .... but it will. Start living like you believe he will come today ... each day will be a testimony of faith.

S.O.A.P.

3-27-2015      Romans 12:9-10

S.       9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

O.      How we must treat each other.

A.      Love is my guiding factor in how I treat others. I will treat others the way I want to be treated.

P.       Father; Fill me with love and teach me how to give that love to others. Amen.

Praying for.......

It is a joy to pray for the people of God. I pray for Israel. I pray for Tanzania. I pray for Elm Grove and all her sister churches. I pray for peace and lost souls. I pray for the back-slid-den and the lost. Our Lord is soon to return. He will catch up his children that are ready and watching. My desire is to see all my friends at that meeting in the air.

S.O.A.P.

3-23-2015      Romans 12:1-2

S.       1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

O.      The body must be brought into subjection and man must not conform to sinful practices.

A.      I will give myself to God, body, soul and spirit (heart & soul) without reservation. I will abandon sin and be led by the law of God and the Holy Spirit. I am no longer my own; I belong to God and I love him.

P.       Father; seal me safely into your family thru the blood of Jesus. Guide my steps into holy joy. Amen. 

The return of Christ may be Today

Jesus is coming to remove his faithful, watching, prepared servants. It could be today........are you ready, are you wearing a wedding garment that is without spot or wrinkle? Modern Christianity seems to be failing when it comes to preparing itself to meet Jesus. When every thought or action is centered on self (catering to the flesh) no room for serving God remains. Me, me, me, I, I, I, are traps created by too much interest in the flesh and the flesh decays into sin every time. Jesus may return today.

S,O,A.P.

2-24-2015      Romans 8:16-18

S.       16 the Spirit itself Beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 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. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

O.      One becomes a joint-heir with Christ when the Spirit of God enters and sin is overcome. Suffering leads to glory.

A.      I am adopted into God’s family and made an heir by accepting (believing and repenting) the substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross, converting (abandoning all sinful practices), welcoming the Holy Spirit to abide within (filled with the Spirit) and fellowshiping and worshiping God every day on my life’s journey.

    P.     Father; reveal to me the things that hinder our fellowship and help me conquer my flesh by                the power of Grace. Amen.  

Jesus will return!

Was Jesus a real person? Was he born of a virgin? Did he live a sinless life? Did he die on a Cross? Was he resurrected on the third day? Is he going to return? To each question I say yes! Each Sunday I gather together with others that believe the same as I do, we call it church. I like church. I worship, fellowship, preach and pray, receive encouragement, hug and enjoy my relationship with God and my fellow Christians. I don't enjoy everything that happens on Sunday, or should I say "doesn't happen". Each Sunday I look around and I notice empty seats, empty because so many Christians have stopped going to service. The reason I mention this today is because of the last question asked in the beginning of this post. "Is he going to return?" Jesus will return!  And according to the Bible he is coming to "catch away his church (bride)" and begin judgement upon those left behind. Please come to service today, come and let's prepare to welcome the return of Jesus.

S.O.A.P.

1-11-2015       Romans 3:5-8

S.       5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just!

O.      No sin will ever be justified; no amount of wrong is tolerated because of a good outcome. God treats all sin in the same manner.

A.      God hates sin, so I must hate sin, all sin, mine and that of others.

    P.       Father; teach me how to hate sin and never hate the sinner. Teach me true forgiveness that I                may forgive as you forgive. Amen.

deep hurt

Praying for a Brother today that has a deep hurt. Asking God to lift him past this pain and set him free. He has carried this for many years and it effects every area of his life. He has a wall built around him and he keeps everyone out, even God. My heart breaks for this man, he is alone, in fear and knows little comfort or peace. God; please hear my plea; set my brother free and love him through me. Show him that the lie he is hearing is from satan (I never use a capital for satan), the father of all deception. Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-5-2015         Romans 1:25-32

S.       25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

O.      These sins are unto death. No person active in these sins will be considered holy, righteous or a child of God. God calls them “reprobate”.

A.      This list of sins describes common practices of everyday America. I must warn as many as I can of the possibility of being condemned by God. Man must come to the place where he hates sin, all sin and especially sexual sin. The love of God is the only way of being set free from these sins. Please Lord; show the world your love through me.

P.       Father in Heaven; reach out to the people trapped in sexual sin and show them a way out, a path of deliverance, a holy and pure standing in your eyes. Keep me from being judgmental, hard or self-righteous when ministering to these deceived individuals. Amen.

What Christmas is to me.

What a beautiful Christmas Day. My head, heart and soul are all filled with Peace. I can't worry about the condition of this old world. I am enjoying my Savior's gifts to me. My wife and family, my daily needs, most of my silly wants and most of all my salvation. Each Christmas brings renewal. This year I am filled with a renewed peace. Not a shallow fleeting episode of wonder and emotion but a solid, soul rapture that multiplies and satisfies. Deep within is a profound calm. A strength that empowers me and a hope UN-movable. The Peace of God is amazing.

S.O.A.P.

12-25-2014    Mark 14:66-72  Christmas Day

S.       66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:67And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.71But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

O.      Peter denies knowing the Lord, three times before dawn.

A.      I can’t judge Peter a failure because every time I sin I am also denying Jesus. When a Christian willfully sins he is really denying his Saviour, just like Peter. I will stand strong in my faith, with God’s help, and fight sin on every level. I want to be known as a person who denies sin a place in my life, an overcomer!

P.       Father; grant me wisdom and knowledge to fight sin. Give me courage and strength to be a living image of your son. Amen 

Shine on

10-5-2014      Mark 4:21-23

S.       21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

O.      There is no reason to hide the light……the truths of God.

A.      I must not be ashamed to proclaim my faith to others. I will speak up and “let my light shine” for Jesus. Light is stronger than darkness.

P.       Father; shine through me; shine your love, mercy, grace and peace. Love through me and be my light. Amen. 

The Rapture?

When will God send Jesus to take his children home? I think that God is waiting for you to become a follower of Jesus. It's not the wars, the earthquakes, the famines or the hatred killing thousands that I am focused on. These are mentioned throughout scripture as end-time events that proceed the return of Christ (Rapture) but I know that the heart of God is longing for you to turn from your wickedness (sin) and be made new. You are the reason that God is withholding his wrath, because he loves you, yes you. God hates your sin but he loves you. Come home dear sinner, backslider for time is short. You may be the last one. Somebody will!

9-9-2014         Mark 1:14-15

S.       14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

O.      The message of Jesus; repent and believe the gospel.

A.      We must not complicate the gospel message with doctrines of men and traditions built in fear. I will declare repentance and labor to believe.

P.       Father; help me to believe and not doubt. Help me to be consistent, dependable and a strong witness for you. Amen.