God hates sin!

The word "hate" is used 87 times in 85 verses in the King James Bible. There is much to learn about God from these references. In Proverbs 6:16 there is a list of things that God hates. The first thing that God has on this list is; A proud look. This is conceit, arrogance, self importance or in a nut shell pride. God hates this sinful aspect of pride. We hate this as well when we see it in others. We should hate pride, our false pride, our selfish pride. This pride is a sinful pride and will lead us into hell. Why does God list pride first? Pride was the sin of lucifer. 

S.O.A.P.

4-6-2015         Romans 14:1-3

S.       1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

O.      The weak and the strong serving together in harmony.

A.      We all grow spiritually at different paces. Tolerance and patience are needed to aid each other in this effort. We must all work together as we strive for perfection.

     P.       Father in Heaven; teach me patience and understanding for I am weak and need your                         strength. Amen. 

The Thief

The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. The thief is busy around the world. Murder in the name of God by the hundreds. Rape and humiliation and total disregard for women. The destroying of civility between peoples. These are the daily news stories, not Old Testament references. How long will God hold back his wrath? How long until he puts an end to this barbaric, animal-like insanity? This God they serve is not the God of the Bible. These deluded, blind and deceived people are pawns of satan, the thief. satan has always wanted to be god and now he has many whom he has deceived but what is their reward for following him; hate, destruction, murder and a doomed soul. I pray for these poor souls that their eyes will be opened. As Jesus was hanging on the cross he said; "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do". I pray; Father; forgive.

S.O.A.P.

1-12-2015      Romans 3:9-18

S.       9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

O.      The character of sinful men who do not respect God or anyone else.

A.      I want my legacy to be completely the opposite of the one described here. I want my respect of God and love for my fellow man to shine bright well after I am dead and buried. I love God and I want my actions to prove it.

P.       Father; may I be your hand of mercy, extended to every person I contact today. Help me show love to all, even the wicked. 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.  

Going to Hell?

When will the leaders in America wake up to the depth or religious commitment in the hearts of man. These Islamic fanatics that are covering the globe with their hate and evil are not swayed by fear or deterred by  political maneuvering. The souls of these people are filled with evil. They are the tools of hate, vengeance and destruction to be used on anyone that is not "just like them".
Christians arise! Every one of these poor souls is headed to their own destruction in HELL! Pray for their lost souls. Ask God to send conviction into their hearts. Fight the war that can change their eternity.

10-1-2014      Mark 4:1-2

S.       1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

O.      Jesus spends time teaching his new doctrine.

A.      Teaching is important for all believers. I must constantly learn that I may teach others and keep the faith active and alive in our lives.

P.       Father; send your Spirit to instruct my learning. Reveal the truth to me that I teach no other doctrines. Teach me to be humble and useful. Amen. 

Quit Fighting with God!

Is it possible to have peace in this world? Can one ever truly learn to love his fellow man? Will we use all our learning and science to destroy hunger and sickness? Probably Not! We are too selfish and want everything to work in our favor. Jesus came and lived a pure, holy life as an example to us of how to live in peace, joy and love. Only when we surrender our will to God can we find true peace. Time for you to choose.

9-12-2014      Mark 1:2934

S.       29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

O.      Jesus heals Simon’s mother and many others. He also commanded devils to come out of people and did not let the devils speak.

A.      Jesus will heal today as he healed when he walked as a man on earth. I believe in the healing touch of Jesus. God still gives power to cast out satan and his demons. Through faith in Jesus I will pray and believe for this power.

P.       Father; use me today to declare your authority over sickness and sin. Heal through my faith and stop the mouth of devils for your children. 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.

A way of escape

8-8-2014         Acts 23:12-35

S.       12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:26 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; 35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

O.      Paul, as a prisoner, starts his trip to Rome after a plot to kill him is revealed to the arresting captain.

A.      God will protect us as we labor for him and live a life pleasing in his sight. I will not fear the enemy, with all his clamor and intimidation, my God is my safety, my shield and my supply.

P        Father; I worship you today as my “everything” and my “all”. I trust in you to keep me through every trouble and trial. I will declare you as Lord. Amen.

Opposition

7-7-2014         Acts 19:8-10

S.       8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

O.      Paul moves the church members into a local school after members of the synagogue denounce the message of Jesus. All Asia is exposed to the gospel message.

A.      Paul did not rise up in anger and fight for his “rights”. He simply moved away from the opposition and continued to spread the gospel. Some will hear and accept and some will reject our message. Some will even try to stop the message altogether. We must never become discouraged or afraid because of opposition. Opposition is a sure sign that something is stirring the pot. The devil never fights with the ones on his side!

P.       Father; thank you for showing me Paul’s example. I will keep looking for people that will accept this wonderful message and not waste time with the rejecters.  Give me discernment to identify your children and wisdom to minister to their needs. Amen.

Money, Money, Money

6-22-2014      Acts 16:20-24

S.       20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

O.      Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten and put in jail for casting out the evil spirit of a local witch.

A.      The issue in this case was the fear that money would be lost that was derived from the witches soothsaying. No rejoicing because of a life is set free from oppression, no happy singing and dancing over a soul being un-chained…..just anger and rage because “profit” is disturbed. I must remember to see the “soul” inside the oppressed person and seek to set that soul free, even at the expense of profit or gain.

P.       Father; remind me to look beyond the surface, into the very soul of the ones I am ministering to. Fill me with compassion and love for the bound, chained and lost souls. Wash my mind free of earthly values and sinful lust for money, power and control. Help me to value each person as you do. 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.

Public Opposition

5-22-2014      Acts 12:1-4

S.       1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.2  he killed James the brother of John with the sword.3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

O.      Herod kills James and puts Peter in prison. The church is under great persecution.

A.      Herod was bowing to the desires of the Jews….his public…. trying to gain political favor. I must remember to seek God’s favor rather than that of man.

P.       Father; I seek your favor, your instruction and your will. Should I find dis-favor with man and this dis-favor lead to prison or death I ask for strength and courage! I want to remain faithful and true to you Lord. I commit my weakness to you in faith that you will abide with me through anything. Amen.

A Change of Mind

5-13-2014      Acts 10:9-22

S.       9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

O.      Peter receives a vision from God to prepare his heart and mind to accept non-Jews into the church. God is about to send Peter to the house of Cornelius.

A.      I must not become hardened in my heart. I must be ready to hear from God and willing to step out in faith and minister to “anyone” that God may lead me to. There must not be barriers between me and the lost.

P.       Father; open my eyes like you did for Peter. I truly want to serve you and help others to do the same. 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.    

SOAP >> Matthew 27:32-36

S.         Matthew 27:32-36   32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. 33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there;

O.        This is a shortened record of the crucifixion of Jesus, not many details. Matthew was not a detail oriented writer. Jesus carried the cross as far as he could before Simon was called upon. Jesus was on the cross for a long time before they offered him vinegar. Watching him was necessary to complete their assignment.

A.        Once again I am reminded of all that Jesus suffered, for me and my salvation. I should have died on that cross. I was filled with sin. I was guilty. Out of a heart of love Jesus took my place to set me free!

P.         Dear Father above; how can mere words alone express my gratitude, my joy, my amazement and my appreciation? They Can’t! So I will commit to you my life… use me as you will… I surrender my all to you. Amen.  

My youngest daughter and her husband.

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.