Christmas Time

We are approaching Christmas in just a few days, some neglected bills or ran up debt just so they can buy that certain gift.  If not careful we loose focus of what we are truly celebrating. Giving is something we should be doing year round not just around birthdays and holidays. There are many who can't provided for their family the way they would like, more less buy that special gift for that child, that doesn't understand why their friends get what they want and they don't even have a box to open.  Many parents are to proud to ask for help, but we all know they are their. These family's often find the true meaning of Christmas in the unconditional love they show to one another.  Often times the gifts they do give are very simple, something homemade or something recycled. Kids make things, draw or write things to show their love for their parents and siblings.  If we are not careful we try to impress our family and friends with material things, instead of showing them the love that we are called to show. If you think about those homemade gifts we made as a kid our parents still have and often times still display them.  If you are a parent and have such a gift from a child you cherish it more than any store-bought gift.  Our love we show this time of year is what is important, it is a life we should show through out the year.  The Christmas spirit is not the Christmas spirit at all, but the Spirit of Christ that lives in us, a spirit we should be living out 365 days a year not just for a few weeks of it.  As we approach this weekend and are gathered together keep in mind what you are truly sharing, what we are truly celebrating, and if possible make this weekend a little brighter for someone less fortunate than you.

Merry Christmas to all! 
Orlando Houston 12/21/2016

Disagreeing

Protest, demonstrations, the right to assemble. Rather it be the pipe line in South Dakota, or in the streets across other cities protesting the election or black lives matter. We might not agree with forward progress or the results of a election, or if it is in regards to police brutality.  We as Americans have the right to demonstrate what we believe in, or what we stand against.  Even with in our own families we  disagree on diffrent issues, we engage in dialog debating on our own views on current events.  We live in a country were we can voice our views without persecution from the government and we should not be little one anouther because we disagree. We are divided in many issues we can all agree on that.  Some believe in the right of progress for the benefit of the greater good, some believe in protecting what is theirs  fighting to keep it as it has been for hundreds of years. Some believe they were cheated and their freedoms taken away, while others view their freedoms being protected and restored. We need to show compassion, exhibit understanding and patience when dealing with people of different views. We need to come together as Americans agreeing that we don't see everything the same way. We need to learn to compramise when it doesn't go against what God calls sin.  We live in the greatest nation in the world, a shinning light of freedom. But don't use that freedom to harm others or being them down because they view things differently than you.  Show love, have mercy when you engage in a disagreement.

Entitled generation

We live in time where young people believe that they are entitled, and when things don't turn out the way they think they should they throw a fit like a toddler. There is a diffreance in a peaceful protest and all out defiance of law & order.  Just because they didn't get their trophy they now believe they can throw a fit and get what they want. What they should of got was a butt whooping instead of a time out growing up!  They should of been sternly disciplined instead of being cuddled for misbehavior. They should of learned when you lose you lose there is no trophy for participation. But learned you try and train harder for next time. If they don't like the results of the election then you run next time or you get out and drum up support for who you think should win, you don't throw a fit and wine because you lost! Suck it up butter cup and grow up!  There was a time when kids your age where storming a beach shedding their blood sacrificing their lives so that you could protest, but you dishonor their lives with having no respect for other peoples lives or property or that you choose to not only dishonor the flag and them by burning the flag or refusing to stand in honor of the playing of the National Anthem.  There is no such thing as a safe place, you need to grow up and be a productive member of society and stop demanding hand outs and a free ride in this life at the expanse of others. You are a disgrace in the way you are acting! Your actions are laughable to the world. They look at you and don't see the strong America they once feared but a soft cry baby who is easily offended. If you are the futhure of America, than there is no futhure.  Grow up try living your live for someone else instead of your self, learn there is no reward for second or last place. Learn if you want something bad enough you got to work for it, it is not always going to handed to you. I got news for you the world and life is a hard cruel place. Mommy, teachers and professors are not going to be there for you. It's time for you to stop acting like a child and become men and women that can contribute to this Nation, helping it to become a stronger and better place for your children and grandchildren. There is no such thing as a free ride or a free lunch, you want something get off your butt and work for it in a honest and legal way. 

Orlando Houston

God's hand in this election

God showed up!  A nation where millions of God fearing believers and followers of Christ humbled themselves and prayed, the impossible happened!  Mathematically and logically there was no way that Trump should have won the election. Even those of us who planned on voting for him thought the chances were slim.  We were willing to accept the outcome whatever it was but we refused to vote for someone which we saw as pure evil. How do you explain when a nation is so divided blue States turned red,  States he should not have won he won! States that he had to win he won! Trump outperformed many recent Republicans in battle ground states. It seemed as though Millions remained silent not revealing what they were going to do until Tuesday. As we watch the results come in we sat there in disbelief or we set there in excitement shaking our head asking is this real? I will compare this election to this it be on the grounds of a college baseball team winning the World Series or a high school team winning the NCAA championship!  What we think or perceive as impossible or imaginable actually came true!  God uses the simple things in this world to confound the wise. God uses the simple things to let us know that he is in control that it was only through him and his power that it happened.  Everybody can sit down and analyze this election they can crunch numbers they can evaluate but they will never fully understand how it happened until they acknowledge God had a hand in these results. I honestly believe this election was decided because millions of people had Faith as a mustard seed they poured their hearts out to God asking for his will to be done,  and that he would once again bless this nation and that he would forgive us of our iniquities and of our sins that we have committed against him.  I personally give God the glory for the election results I encourage you to do also. 

Orlando Houston

Broken heart & Pain

The heartache and pain are real they cannot be denied.  They seem to suck the life right out of us. Being left with more questions than answers leaving us dazed and confused. Words of comfort come across empty and meaningless, we say to ourselves you just don't understand.  We try to smile through the pain as tears roll down our face.  In all we really want is for someone to share the pain a simple hug, a sincere expression upon your face setting with us with no words spoken. Burdens are made to be shared no one should go through lose alone. Rather it be a realationship gone bad, the lose of a loved one, a child, a baby or even they ones we never got to hold.  God's heart breaks with you, He understands your pain. He never said that He wouldn't give us more than we can handle, but rather He did say in our weaknesses we find strength in Jesus Christ. He did say He would never leave us or forsake us. We need to cry out to God telling Him we can't do this on our own. The pain is more than we can bare!  Allow Him to carry the burden, which He is more than willing to do. For it is written Cast your cares on Him, who cares for you. Allow your brethren to share the pain , don't turn them away for they are the hands and feet of Christ.

Tribulant times

We have fallen into a great sin in this nation! How long must we tempt God, taking his patience for granted? We shake our fist toward God daring Him to do something, mocking Him and His Word!  The blood of the innocent stains the ground, we proudly display and flaunt our Idols that we have set up! We seek things of the flesh, rejecting the things of God! How long must we provoke God? He has given us time to repent, he has made His word known! Yet in selfish desires, we have rejected Him as King, as Lord, as Savior!  In the hardness of our hearts, we deceive ourselves, believing we can live our lives as we please, stating God created me this way, or God wants me to be happy, or that I'm free to live as I see fit!  We justify our sin, refusing to acknowledge it for what it is!  Many great nations have fallen, for they turned against God failing to recognize Him as Lord!  What makes you think we are different? Our pride will be our downfall, just as it has been to those before us! God will humble the pridefull, those who left themselves high He will bring down low humbling them in shame!  There is still time though, if we repent God may just hold off His hand of wrath and judgement from us!  If we turn our faces to Him seek Him with all our heart He will be found!  His love, His mercy, His grace goes beyond all understanding it is for all that seek Him for those who put their trust in Him!   Today is the day of salvation, seek God while He can be found! Just like Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, holding off the judgement that was looming. We too can change the course that we are headed for!  It is time for the people of God to stand up and proclaim all that God has done! Showing His love in that we do! I pray that I'm wrong, I fear that I'm not though for we already see God turning us over to our own desires for our rejection of Him! Good has become evil, and that which is evil is now considered good!  Tribulant times lay ahead, but us that persevere to the end shall be saved.  Remain strong in the Lord, trust in Him live out your faith, allways walking in the Spirit!  Amen!

Casting Stones

So much going on in both campaigns, neither HRC or Donald Trump are perfect, both are flawed! They both have said and done things that make people upset.  We pick and choose who we will attack or who we will support ignoring the things in the person we support.  We say this person is unfit to be POTUS, when in fact neither of the candidates that are running are!  However they both won their political party nomination to represent them in November.  Who ever God ordained will be the POTUS, it will be for His glory it will bring us blessings or it will bring us chastisement. Either way it will be so that we will acknowledge Him and Him alone as Lord and Savior!  It is ugly what is going on this election year, we as a nation are more divided than we have been in many years.  Till we see that God alone as our Lord as our King and that the POTUS is a servant of Him dictating His will upon the people of the United States. No leader has anymore power than that God has allowed him/her to have. We must except what ever is the outcome we are to look to God and Him alone for guidance and direction. Man will disappointment you, man will fail and fall. However God will never leave us or forsake us.
   What is going on is much like the woman brought to Christ who was caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees and Sadducees the political leaders of that time said the law says we should stone  her, what say you? Christ replied he who is with out sin may cast the first stone. He then knelt down and began to draw in the dirt. One by one from the oldest to youngest dropped their stones and walked away. When they all had left Christ looked at the woman and said where are your accusers? No where she replied! Neither do I go and sin no more. 

Both parties are quick to point out flaws in each other quickly to cast the first stone for their own benifit in the process of rejecting ignoring their own flaws and evil deeds.  Neither of the candidates are worthy to be POTUS but they are the choices regardless.  When we go to the polls in November and we cast our vote we need to weigh  heavily what we know about each candidate not just what we dislike about one.

Not only Savior, but also Lord

Why do you call me Lord Lord and not do what I say Christ made this proclamation right after giving The Sermon on the Mount giving guidelines for the Christian Life.  Christ goes on later to say to "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."
We live in a selfish world people justify their sin people refuse to recognize Christ as Lord but considering Him as Savior only. True repentance is truly ever shown. It breaks my heart to see people who profess themselves as Christians but live and outward sinful life some in secret some in the open.  For it is written they honor me with their mouth but their hearts are far from me for it is also written if you love me you will keep my Commandments.  Many are in for shock when they stand before God and hear the words depart from me you workers of iniquity I never knew you!  People refuse to admit that they are sinner's in need of a Savior!  They believe they are good people because they don't commit no crime against man that they believe they live a good life. They give to charities then even helping those in need they may be pleasant and kind to everybody they meet. However these things will not get them to heaven. People refuse to acknowledge that God is not only holy and righteous but that He is also just!  That for Him being just His wrath will be poured out on those who refuse to acknowledge Him not only as Savior but also Lord!  Some believe that because we have freedom in Christ our sins don't matter.  Wake up! We are to be holy because He is holy! We don't have right to go on sinning taking the grace given to  us so lightly!  This grace came with a heavy price that no man could earn or pay, only Christ could bring this grace through His sacrificial blood that he poured out nailed to a tree for the world to see.  Don't you know that it is written that we are not our own that we are bought with a price that we're not to go on sinning!  The resentment that we hold towards our neighbor for harming us or offending us, is not justified!  We look to our own needs turning a blind eye to those around us that are in need! The things God has blessed you with are not yours, they are given to you entrusted to you to bless those around you.  We are to walk as Christ walked who gave all He had so that we could have Him for eternity!  My desire is to turn the world to Christ not only telling but showing Him to all that I meet.  Your sinful ways need to stop!  God will forgive if you turn to Him. True repentance is a broken and contrite heart. Your sin will break your heart it will shatter it it will crush it you will not be able to stand it you will have great remorse for you have sinned against a holy righteous God who died upon the cross for you, taking the burden of your sins so that you would not have to bear them. Knowing this how can you take your grace for granted and go on willfully sinning knowing of the price that was paid. As I come to a close on this examine your heart ask God to open it up and reveal to you your sinful ways your anxious thoughts the things that you do that dishonor Him. Be not only honest with God but with yourself, asking Him to take this Heart of Stone and make it a heart of Flesh! An then walk-in true repentance!

Sound Doctrine

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:6‭-‬10 ESV

There are so many different beliefs doctrines and theology out there that many are lead astray.  Sound doctrine is rarely taught in todays church!  Many have been lead to believe false gospels, and deluded theology.  The world, the flesh and Satan  have blinded many to the truth.  They have turned themselves over to ear tingling messages the things that please him the things that don't bring them discomfort or conviction. They believe that the life should not be hard without discomfort without storms without tribulation that everything should go their way everything they want should be supplied and if they have enough faith nothing will work against them they believe God is there magic Genie to answer every request they have to their own will but not the will of God.  I'm here to tell you the Christian walk is not an easy life it is harder to do than most people realize. Picking up your cross and following me, you will face trials and tribulation, do not be surprised if this world hates you for it first hated me. None of these verses mention anything about a life of ease.  If not God did not love you, he would not allow these hard times to come upon your life so that your faith would be refined so that you would trust in Him!  Much like a father disciplines a child out of love correcting them of their misconduct,  God also chastises those He calls his own!  It is only through Christ that we can be saved it is nothing on our own it's not of our works it's not of our Good Deeds! We can not do enough good things to earn our salvation, as it is written our good deeds are as filthy rags! Nothing we can do can compare to the price that Christ paid upon his scourging and crucifixion the alienation he felt from friends, the momentary moment when God the Father looked away because he was bearing the sins of the world!  God who created the heavens and the Earth humbled himself came to Earth as a man live a perfect life keeping every aspect of the law and living without sin died a sinner's death paying the price that was meant for you and I!  Surrendering your life to our Lord and savior surrendering to his will and not your own. That means denying yourself and following him. Accepting his will for your life and denying your own well!

Storm is Coming

Most of americans set in blindness!  They buy in to the lies and distortion of facts in the media and by the government.  A storm is brewing in this nation in the likes it has never seen!  Faith and alliances will be tested.  Many will fall,  many will take the path of least resistance. Life as we now it will be  radically changed over night!  Families we be split, friends forsaken all in the name of self-preservation!  Things are not as they seem at this time. A chess game is bering played and we are the pawns!  Life as we know it will cease to exist!   But those who are watchful that are awake that are mindful of the things going on, we are not in the dark!  We look to our Lord and Savior who told us of the things that must occur. He told us "I tell you these things, so that you know when they happen you will not be deceived"  If you call yourself a Christian, if you clam to have a realationship with Christ Jesus. You will face a fire a refinement that will truly reveal who you truly serve!  I have been saying for sometime that we are to wake up be vigilant! Time is running out the last sands in the hour glass are falling, we are approaching midnight!  If you are not prepared, if you are not awaiting the bridegroom you will be left!  Today is the day of salvation, stop honoring God with just your words, but in all you do! Forsake your sinful lives and the things with in it that you attempt to justify by saying I'm forgiven!   If you say this than you are not living for Christ!  If you are not trusting in Christ now, how will you ever trust in Him when all helll breaks loose?  Trust in Him fully today, leave this old life behind, seek the new life that is in Christ Jesus alone!  It will be the only way to approach the storm with assurance, with Hope, with Joy knowing that only thing man can do to you is take your life, but not your soul!

Broken Hearted

I just do not understand this country anymore!  This is not the country I grew up in or that my father grew up in or my grandfather grew up in.  When did it come acceptable for grown men to act like women for grown men to need a safe place and for grown men to disrespect this country and the flag and those who fought dying to protect it!  It is a total disgrace to see the shape that we are in the things that we applaud should be things we are ashamed of!  The things that we should Rejoice over are things that we condemn!  We celebrate Defiance and Rebellion but yet we show shame at the name of God banning Him and His name from all aspects of our lives.  We attacked the innocent and protect the guilty!  There is no respect for life on any level! We have become full of greed and selfishness not caring who we stepped on to get to where we want to be. We no longer pray as a family we no longer teach our children to be responsible self-reliant adults. Our forefathers are turning over in their graves if they knew the shape we've allowed this nation to fall into.  God's grace is still on us yet, He has not fully turned us over to ourselves as of yet.  We need to wake up cry out to Him in repentance! Acknowledging the sin in our own lives the sins of our fathers the sins of our nation. People we are on a dangerous dangerous collision-course if we don't change our hearts!  To watch what is going on breaks my heart it stirs my spirit! We cannot be silent any longer, it is time that we take action and be the people the body that Christ has called us to be!

Spoiled People

We are a blinded people, we have not opened our eyes to the needs and hurts of those not only around us, but outside our surroundings. We tend to look at our own needs, and desires thinking of what we don't have and the things we desire.  We have become a spoiled people, with all that God has blessed us with, we walk around like ungrateful children who never had to work for anything, We complain about what we don't have neglecting to look at all that we do have and how truly blessed we are.  Even if you consider yourself poor in need and lacking, you are still very rich compared to most of the world. Most of those who consider themselves poor have a roof over their head, running water, Electric, gas, a vehicle of some sort and I'm willing to bet smartphones.  There are ways to obtain food if you can't buy it, if you're unable to pay your bills the government assist you. And yet you consider yourself poor when you actually have way more then a lot of people in this world.  We have become complacent neglecting to realize all that we truly have here.  We truly do not sacrifice anything, for those that Christ told us to minister to. "The least of these"  we have become like the Levite and the Priest who bypass the wounded and dying man on the road to Jericho.  We are very much like the Rich Young Ruler, who refused to give up his riches and to follow Christ!  We are nothing like the widow who gave all she had to live on to God, While others gave out of their abundance much like we do today!  When are we going to truly deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Christ?  We have not stepped out of the boat out of our safty net and self reliance putting our trust in Christ!  I fear that there will many self proclaimed Christians who hear the words " depart from me you workers of iniquity I never knew you"  for we say that we have faith but we truly have never tested that Faith or show that faith too many times we rely upon ourselves failing to putting our trust in God. I fear we don't even come close to understanding and obeying 1st Corinthians chapter 13.

Preparing our hearts for God's will

Can the prayer of one man change the direction of a nation? 

We as Christians should have great concern for our fellow brothers in Christ and the welfare of the church. And knowing the current condition and the welfare of those being afflicted, the church's  not being the light on the hill should move us compell us to weep for their condition and state of well-being. 

We should seek the Divine will of God, in prayer and fasting.  In doing so we should keep in mind it is not to change the Divine will of God, but to prepare us to accept and conform to the Divine will of God.  We must confess not only our sins but the sins that we know are committed by others, not only confessing those sind but also forgiving those who have offended us.  We must always give praise and glory to God, seeking the wisdom and direction that only He can give.  We must not lose focus on what were trying to obtain. In the process we cannot neglect our current obligations we must continue to do our jobs in providing for our families. In the meanwhile let the burden that is upon us remain in our heart praying without ceasing.  The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, the prayer of one walking in God's will can change the world, our nation our state our towns, our churches even our families.  Not only asking for God's favor but the favor of men.  God has the power to change men's hearts he can open doors He can close doors and he can direct men's hearts in accordance with his will so that his Divine will will be achieved.

Prayer

I would like to start at the beginning of the day. Christ was moved with remorse from the news of the beheading of his cousin John , by His reaction we can assume that God had hid this from Him for he sought to be alone to pray and be alone with God His Father.  But when He saw the crowds He was moved with compassion disregarding what He wanted to do at that time.  And that was to be alone and pray!

After ministering to 5000 + women and children He sent them away after he commanded His disciples to go to the other side.  Here is a key part even though he did not get time to pray earlier instead of getting rest or even having his disciples wait for Him, He took time to pray!  To be alone with God!  We at time get so busy and worn out we neglect to be alone with God or that we are so moved grieve we want to sit in self-pity instead of turning to God for strength and peace and whatever we are going through. Christ still made time to pray and be alone with God even after the chaotic day that He endured!

When Christ was going out on the water and they saw Him, the words take heart ( be not afraid) for it is I!  Should have calmed their fears immediately and brought reassurance!  But Peter wanted to test to see if it was truly Christ, if it is you Lord command me to come out onto the water to you!  When Christ said Come!  Peter had to be afraid before he even step out onto the water, but yet in the presence of fear he still stepped out of the boat!  We often times don't even step out of our safety net to where God has called us for fear of failure or disappointment.  Peter did take that step and as long as he was focused on Christ he was doing the impossible!  We often times forget " nothing is impossible for God" " we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us" or that " when we are weak we are made strong through Christ Jesus"  Our faith in times of need is oftentimes week at best.  We tend to forget how Christ has worked  in our lives in the past.  He just fed 5000 + with two fish and five loaves of bread!

But when he saw the wind he was afraid and beginning to sink he cried out "Lord save me" Jesus then reached out his hand and took a hold of him saying to him "oh you of little faith why did you doubt"

We may be going in the direction God has called us, but if we're not careful we take our eyes off Christ and start focusing on the chaos around us we begin to doubt is this really what God has called me to do? Before we know it we are sinking and falling away from God and under our own power we attempt to save ourselves only to find we are seeking further down!  All it takes is a heartfelt cry out to God, Save me! For Him to reach down and draw us  back up!  But yet in Pride and doubt that we have fallen it takes hitting rock bottom before we cry out!

"Oh you of little faith why did you doubt"  Wow!

Our doubt is one of most crippling things to our faith. Christ has commanded us to not doubt but only believe!  Going back to Genesis chapter 3 we see where Satan said did God really say or did God truly say? When we began to question what God has commanded us to do, we lose focus On Christ and we will sink!

And when they got into the boat the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped Him saying "truly you are the son of God"

Christ earlier showed He had power over material things provisions, and He now showed He had power over nature.  There was no doubt at the moment they were standing with God in their presence.

Warfare

We can't turn on any type of media and not see some type of loss or suffering. Death and murder has become a very big part of our lives. During all this it is easy to lose focus and begin to look at the devastation, injustice, evilness that is so prevalent in this world. 
But I am here to tell you we can have peace in these times.  We can have a joy that goes beyond anything we may endure.  As our hearts break for this nation and for those families affected by all these recent events, we have one that has overcome this world! One who has conquered the grave and death!  One who gives us peace, but not as the world gives it.  We must be the light of this world during these dark times!  We have allowed our lanterns to run dry!  We have hidden the light and failed to show it to this dieing world!  If we want to see change than we must change the way we are doing things!  We must allow God to work through us to be His hands and feet!  We are engaged in a spiritual battle that goes beyond any man made division!    Satan knows his time is short, so he is doing all he can do to draw people away from the grace of God!   We must morn for those who morn, but show Christ in all we do!  We must reignite the fire that dwells with in us! We need to insure our lamps are full! We must be vigilant for our adversary the devil prowls around as a roaring lion seeking who he may devour!   But He that is in us is greater than the world!  Put on the whole armor of God!  The battle is only going to get more intense! Yet never forget though we wage in a spiritual warfare, Christ has already won the war!

Calling all believers

And Jesus said to them why do you call me Lord Lord and not do as I have said. 

We are called to be disciples Apostles imitators of Christ. But unfortunately we live in a time where that is far from being true.  We are called to be the light on the hill were called to be the salt of the earth but unfortunately that light has grown dim and the salt has lost its flavor we speak hate from the pulpit our love has grown cold.  We're doing everything but showing the love of Christ.  It is a crucial time in history not only are we in the final days we are in the final minutes left here on Earth before our Lord and savior makes his return.  Prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes and many have turned a blind eye to it.  Selfishness and pride are running rampant, disregard for human life is everywhere. From mass murders to the abortion clinics.  Families are falling apart the sanctification of marriage is rare.  We praise God on Sunday but curse our fellow man on Monday.  It seems that we have a passion for everything but God and his will in our lives it is time for us to repent of our evil ways and turn back to God I believe America is in for a rude awakening if we do not turn our hearts back to God. I'm looking for those who have a heart for God for those who wish to serve him go to have a true heart for discipleship evangelism to reach the Lost and not only tell but show the love of Christ.  , for I will not be ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for salvation for all who believe First the Jew then the Gentile

Memories

Sometimes we forget where we came from and how far we have gone since the time we started out in life, a job or relationship.  We tend to forget that we too at one time had nothing, yet we have everything at the time!  Will look around and see others where we once were, questioning their decisions or motives wondering if they will survive!  When we do this we are not doing anyone Justice!  Our self pride has blinded us, lifting our self up, while looking down on others going through what we once went through. We expect  people, are children to be where we are at, have the wisdom, knowledge, life experiences we have without ever experiencing the things that got us to where we are, that they gave us the views, knowledge, wisdom that we now have.  Sometimes it is good to sit down and think about where we once were, how far we have come, the mercy, and grace that God has shown us for we too once had nothing in the eyes of the world! I look back today being reminded of a short story I read about a young couple starting out how they had nothing in the eyes in the world, yet had everything they needed much in the same way it was when my wife and I started out.

On this weekend 21 years ago I lived in a small trailer behind Ramms Auto Body in Pryor Oklahoma.  It cost me about $150 a month for rent.  I did not have a car, I just had a bike I rode everywhere.  The job I had barely paid my bills if it did that.  I was going to NA and AA meetings attempting to get my life together I really didn't have a plan or a future.  However this young girl came to see me with a friend this weekend 21 years ago.  It did not take long we started dating and soon we're married five months later.  This young girl fell in love when I had nothing but love to offer.  She even had to pay for a wedding because I had no money.  She also paid for the wedding set which she still has original ring set that she wears.
She has never wanted another wedding set even though I've tried.  We have so much more today than we had that night 21 years ago.  I'm not the same person I was on that night my thoughts, my views have changed. I hope that I have gained wisdom and knowledge I did not have that night.  Love held us together,  love is what we had when we had nothing else.  Lisa thank you for not judging me for what I did not have but looked at what I did have and the love you show that held us together.  It truly is hard to believe that I met you Twenty-One years ago this weekend!

A true love

As I looked around tucked away in a small corner, set a desk with a memorial upon it.  A testament to a love that was cut way to short. A marriage of just 12 years, but one that was differently true.   Around the corner set a coffee bar in much the same manner maybe untouched since his love was taken away. Trough out the house tucked hear and there little testimonies to their love. 
 I found myself thinking why is there not more realationships like this? Never forgetting what brought you together, or the things that kept you together.  A story  of a great love laid before my eyes, one that was being kept alive even though one was no more. It became very apparent to me, this man truly loves this women that once stood by his side.  Never knowing or meeting this couple I could since the love they shared, looking at what I could see, I began to take it all in.  How did they meet, what brought them together I do not know. But I could differently see that love kept them together. 10 years have gone by since her passing, this is what strikes me so things laid out in such a way it is like a snap shot in time.  People say time heals all wounds, by the looks of this I would have to disagree, a broken heart from the loss of a true love, from a love taken away all to soon. 

Some deep thoughts tonight

God will test your faith using any situation that a raises in your life!  Several  things can happen you don't agree with, or wish would not happen.  How we react to said situation says a lot about our faith.  Are you acting out in the flesh, or are you allowing the Spirit of God to speak through you.  Love goes way further than hateful, anger, condemning words and remarks.  People are more likely to see the truth when spoke in a calm, reassuring, and loving voice instead of a loud angry voice.  They are more likely to remember what you said when you speak it with love, rather they are ready at the time or not.  Praying and medatating on scripture before you speak thinking of what to say is very beneficial, Don't speak out in the flesh! Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, He will give you the words to say that the person  needs to hear.

  Obedience, submitting to God as Lord. Have faith, trust God don't lean on your own understanding. Showing love to all brings peace to your life, when you have peace in your life, you have joy, when you have joy in your life, you have hope, and hope doesn't disappoint.
   Life doesn't go as planned often times it is turned upside down inside out and shattered to pieces!  God's ways are not man's ways, we should never lean on our understanding, but acknowledge Him in all we do and He will direct our paths.  Our faith would never increase if we didn't endure hard difficult times in our lives.  For it is at these times we turn to God acknowledging our weaknesses, crying out to Him Abba Father, I can't take this anymore, I don't know what I am going to do!  But Lord I know you hold me in the palms of your hands! Lord I know you have a plan, I know Lord you will never leave me or forsake me. I know Lord I am not fear what this world can do to me, for I know all things work for my good, for I love you, acknowledging you in all I do! I know your promises, for that I can give you praise!  As storms will pass by, so will this time of trail in our lifes. Pain and sorrow will last through the night, but joy comes in the morning!

Love

Love is the most precious gift known to man.
My wife is the greatest gift given to me.
Her love is something that I never deserved.
At times I still can't believe she has chosen me.
The look in her eyes, when she looks at me.
The touch in her hands as she embraces me.
The softness in her voice with the words I love you.
The selfless acts she does to bring me joy.
She is a woman that could of brought any man happieness.
But she is with me out of the billions of men on earth.
The family she brought me is still growing.
I still can't fathom she is by my side.
After all I have done, the times she could of left.
Her love never failed it never gave up on me.
She knew in her heart the man I could of been.
This godly women a gift from God, a gift that would bring me back to Him.
This women who I love this women who loves me, this women you loves me!  Who has chosen to grow old with me.
True love I found, it grew with the years.
Lisa you are the love of my life,

Sin is Sin, but Freedom is in Christ.

I am outspoken on my beliefs, yet I say all unrighteousness is sin! I can accept the person who are made in God's image yet I despise the sin. We tend to place sin on levels, but sin is sin except the rejection of the Holy Spirit. God desires all to repent of their sin no matter what it may be. We as Christians at times look down on other people's sin discounting the severity of our own sin.  We are to love all people no matter what sin they may be committing, showing them the love of Christ so that they may repent and turn to Him for forgiveness.  Those who continue in sin no matter what that sin may be are harming the relationship they have with our Lord and Savior.  I will call sin what it is yet not judge the person  who commits it, showing them the love of Christ.  I myself come across as being hard on some sin and relaxed on others I don't speak of as much. I tend to speak on the things that are most prevalent at the time, the things that this world is saying is good and acceptable, if murder and rape became acceptable I would speak out against them as well!  I take my stance because I wish to see all come to the knowledge of the saving grace found in Christ Jesus!  If we don't see the severity of sin we will never see the need for a Savior.  The law was given so that it would show us the need for a Savior, we can not keep the law on our own will or power! It is only through the Holy Spirit  we can strive to keep the law!  We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! We all have sin in our lives that must be addressed, no one sin is worse than anouther.  Any sin you commit will keep you from eternal life, if you don't have Christ as your Lord and Savior.  When I speak and write don't ever think I am singling out any one sin or that I am judging the person for that sin. I want the world to see it needs Christ, or it will die in its sin!  I will love all people regardless of their beliefs or sins in their lifes, I will not look down on those you sin differently than I for I too was once lost in sin till someone showed me the love of Christ.

Lies of this world

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:14-16 ESV

We that have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, who truly repented of our sins.  We that have a personal relationship with Him, we that spend time in His Word and prayer daily. Will have the mind of Christ!  We will judge sin for what it is. We will not make excuses or justify their actions or our own when unholy actions, or words are done or said. 
To many self proclaimed Christians are no more saved than a self proclaimed atheist, agnostic, Wiccan or devil worshiper. For if they truly believed than they would be obedient to what the Word of God says, not just what they like but all things written in it.  If you don't understand the words written within it, then I will just say that Christ is not living in you.  For it is the Spirit of Christ that givers us discernment and understanding, for the Word of God is spirit with out His spirit with in you, you will not comprehend the things within it. 

 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
James 2:19 ESV

 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:4-6 ESV

 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:20-21 ESV

 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-4 ESV

 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:1-4 ESV

People listen it is time to wake up from your slumber, open your eyes to see what God is saying!  You can not say you know God and Christ is your Savior and continue to live in sin!  Stop cheating Grace!  That which was in you is now dead, if you have indeed been saved through the blood of Christ, you will see and know what sin is!  You will not find enjoyment in those things that dishonor God, you will not justify your own actions by saying I am free to live my life how ever I want, it is what ever makes me happy!  God loves me, He wants me to be happy, He will forgive me anyway!  If this is your mindset then Christ does not dwell in you! You have no new heart, your spirit has not changed, you are not walking in the light. 

I am crying out to you, praying you see that you need a Savior that you will no longer believe the lies and deceit in this world!  You must have a renewing of your mind, you must cast off the the ways you once lived, and now live as Christ has called you to live.

New mom

A single mom, a baby with no father by her side. The questions and uncertainty that lays ahead. It isn't suppose to be this way raising a child on your own. 
However God is Father to the fatherless He will be by your side never leaving you never forsaking you. Read His Word, study, meditate upon it.  Pray daily throughout the day, trusting in Him and He will guide your steps.  In time He will revile to you the man He has chosen for you before the foundation of the earth. Lean not on your understanding but trust in God and all He does in your life.  The days and nights ahead will have their difficulties, but always remember they are there to strengthen your faith and reliance upon God!  There will days when you think you can't go on anylinger, but at this time remember that when we acknowledge our weakness to God, and ask for His strength He will carry us through. For it is Christ's strength and not our own.  For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, for when I am made weak I am made strong through Christ Jesus.  Remember God has placed family and friends in your life for a reason they will add you, help you in times of difficulty.  The road ahead will have valleys,  mountains, sunny days and storms.  But never forget Who goes before you.

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 ESV

A Personal Revelation

I'm beginning to feel a disconnect in the theology that I have been taught! I feel as though there is something more a different direction I need to go in. I feel as though there is something missing something much deeper than I've ever seen.  I feel as though God is pulling me into a direction that I have never been.  What that is yet, I do not know but I feel as though there's something more he wants me to see.  Miss interpretation of scripture I know I have seen, I feel as though biblical truth that's not preach anymore. I am to speak the truth literal biblical interpretation, Spirit breaking, gut-wrenching truth. Anointing with oil laying on hands Healing The Sick prophetic speaking raising the Dead. These are not preached upon but should and should be taught, and believe they still happen today. The Church of today are lacking faith, in disbelief and disobedience. They are lukewarm at best.  The benefits of fasting the practice of speaking and praying in tongues using our spiritual gifts instead of suppressing them none of this is truly taught anymore!  People take the commands of Christ lightly! They are practicing cheap Grace!  The true effect of the Cross upon their lives is not shown.  People want to use well I'm a work-in-progress as an excuse!  Where are the true disciples? Where are the true apostles? Where are the true believers and not just a fan, who truly do not see the cross for what it really is! Where are those who truly believe and know the power that lies within them!  These verses  below have been working on me for some time.  

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:1-8 ESV

 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-2

I can longer keep silent, the truth must be told! Today's church is luke warm at best! They have cheapened Grace as an excuse to live their lives the way they wish. "Who the Son has set free is free indeed"  this does not mean we can go on sinning!  It means we are no longer in bondge to that life style!  We now should be lead by the spirit, and not the flesh! If we walk continually in the spirit we will cease to sin!  We become more than conquerors! The power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us!  This same power has the same effect through us as it did for Christ! This is a promise from Christ!    If anyone lacks wisdom let him ask and it shall be given to him, by God who gives to all without reproach, but he who ask let him not doubt But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Trust God lean not on your own understanding

In my own admission I have become discouraged, I have not been seeking God as I should daily.  Bringing a message tonight that was more for me than those who heard it.  I still have a hunger and desire to preach and Minister and serve God to lead a body of believers.  I have submitted countless resumes to several churches  even preached at a few but as of yet I've never got the call to return.

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

To often I have attempted to make things happen on my own.  I have not stood behind the cross and allowed God to go before me.

Psalm 139:23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Praying this prayer and seeking God with all heart and listening to the Holy Spirit being obedient to what He calls you to do. 

God has called me to preach that has been confirmed by other believers.  However I have attempted to make this happen on my own instead of trusting in God's guidance. Becoming discouraged because it has not happen in the time frame I thought it should have, I have began to neglect reading, studying, praying and seeking God's guidance.

That will change a new fire has been lit with in, a new realization God will guide me God goes before me He will make away! His ways are not my ways.  He is my Lord, my Savior, my king, my God!  I will trust in His guidance and will obey his commands!  

It's not a right it's a Sin

It is not about if you are pro life, pro gun, hold the belief of one man one women on marriage or if you are pro faith.  It is that we believe and see things differently than the world. We are the ones being attacked for our beliefs and views.  But this no surprise for  it is written "Don't be surprised if the world hates you, for it first hated me."  I will not be conformed to this world or accept it's beliefs on what is right for all people.  There is only one right, only one that is good, and one truth! That is Christ Jesus and the comandments He gave to us.  The world rejects us because we stand with Christ.  It can not stand the light that we bring because it enjoys the darkness it is in.  It is not about gay rights, same sex marriage, transgenders using what ever bathroom they wish, abortion  the murdering of innocent life.  This all are an abomination in the sight of the Lord! I will not accept any of these views or beliefs.  I will openly speak out against such sin and the death it brings. Only through Christ can you find forgiveness for sins. True repentance brings new life!  I would rather die for Christ and my beliefs instead of being accepted by this world!  I will be one that stands up and out for what I believe we can not be silent any longer.  The world is falling further into darkness and we are not speaking the truth of life and death, the truth on righteousness and sin!  I can accept pro choice, same sex realationships, transgender lifestyles! These are not normally! These where choices made out of rejection to God and His Word.

 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

You can go on rejecting God if you choose and bow before Christ as a conquered foe or you can repent and turn from sin, and accept the free gift of God now and bow before Him as a loyal servant and follower.   The choice is yours! But I will not accept the things of this world as a right or something that is good! I will stand and proclaim the darkness it is and the death it brings!

Prodigal Daughter

Growing up is taking responsibility for our actions and decisions. We admit when we make mistakes and hopefully we learn from them.  One year ago my daughter moved out of the house in a fit of rage.  It was a very difficult time for all of us, emotions were hard to control. 
However we prayed we turned it over God  knowing that good would come out of this some how. 
Taylor admitted she made mistake, she admitted she should of listened to her mother and myself.  She has changed the ways she views things, something that took me a long time to do.  It took just 6 months for Taylor to realize she was not where she needed to be, even though she did not move back in with us she went to stay with her grandparents. She is expecting Isabell any day, she is about to graduate from vo-tech with her culinary art degree.  She did start going to church again.  It is hard to believe were we where one year ago!  However God is faithful, merciful, just, and holy!  Even during our rebellion God's Word is at work in us.  Much like the prodigal son when he came to his right mind he returned home to a loving and waiting father.  Taylor Houston I love you more than you know, allow God to always work in your life trust in His guidance and you won't wander far from His will.

Trials and afflictions

If it was not for my faith in God, I would be a total wreck tonight. One incident after another when you think it couldn't get worse it does! However I will not be shaken, I will not be moved, the Lord my God is my strong tower, my mighty fortress! He is the solid rock on which I stand! Today was a testing of my faith to the extent it has not been pushed in quite some time! I made the mistake telling someone earlier that my day had to get better, it didn't another trial came front and center and it was a total shock hit us totally unaware. Yet God is watching over us and will not allow more to us then what He allows to fall on us! I praise God that I do see solutions to these inconveniences that have happened to us today! My trust is in Him and Him alone and I know He will carry us through this time we are about to enter, But if He doesn't provide a solution I will still praise Him knowing that there is a lesson to be learned! Life doesn't always go smoothly, when it seems to us all is going good and things are looking up is when we are blindsided brought to our knees being humbled so we do not forget who we are and who is our Father!  As I said before the Thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy but Christ came so we can have life and have it more abundantly" My trust is in Lord in Him alone I seek refuge. Knowing He can if it is in His will to deliver us from this trial, but if He chooses not to, I will still praise Him!  

Minor affliction

As I set on the side of the road in my car broke down. I am thinking of the times before that God has brought us through similar storms. I don't know how this is going to work out, or exactly what we're going to do yet. But I do know to trust in God, I heard something this afternoon that stuck with me, what ever dream or what ever I want to do or what ever is holding me back I must empty myself of it! I must trust in God knowing this trial is only to refine my faith and for me to draw closer to Him. "The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy" I can look at this two ways, one I'm not to have this job, or two the devil is trying to prevent me from moving forward in the process.  I believe the latter, for this is a Christian company, who's ethics and morals are aligned with mine. With my training and experience I have I know I will excel in this job.  The devil knows my dreams and what I wish to do, he will do what ever he can to prevent me from achieving that goal. The time I spent at said company today was very pleasant and informative. I will continue to pray before my interview on Tuesday that this is in Gods will.   I don't see how this trial is of God, even though He allowed it to happen.  I'm not upset or angry, I have a peace about the whole thing knowing that everything will be taken care of. 

When we experience loss

When tragedy hits and all seems lost, you are not alone! Our hearts break with remorse asking why this has happened? We can't make sense and left in a daze! At times like this we must admit it is more than we can take, turn to God for His strength, comfort and peace! God knows and understands your pain. His heart pours out His love for you! His arms are open to grant you His embrace. Gods people will share your pain, they will give you a shoulder to cry on they will be there just to listen and lend a caring ear. Don't take this on your own allow those around you to aid you as Gods hands and feet. We are small community who have time and time again came together in love to those that are in need. This is no different  you are family we all are family and at times like this we don't leave our family alone.

Single Mom

As a parent one of the hardest things to watch is for your child no matter how old to have their heart broken! You want to take away the pain, bringing them comfort and reassurance. Although we can't take away the pain, we can give them wisdom and comfort, and reassurance that God has not forsaken them or abandoned them. We could preach all the biblical wisdom we know, however this is not what they need to hear at the moment, for they probably already know the promises if you have raised them in church and have spoken the word of God throughout their lives. What they need at this time is for you to show them Christ and love them. We may  not understand why things have happened the way they did. We may not have even really cared for the relationship to start with, there might of been something you didn't like about the person. Yet that doesn't make it any easier on your child, they still have a heart and emotions and are feeling a sense of loss at this time.
A soon to be expecting mom, the father of the baby now says he doesn't want to be with you anymore, there is doubt that he will have anything to do with the baby. What do you now do?  I have prayed for this man relentlessly that he would love my daughter the way that Christ loved the church! I personally did not care for this kid, I could see right through him he reminded me of myself at his age.  Yet I had to love him, I wanted to see him succeed I wanted to see him to become a man and take on  responsibility. I prayed with him and for him and we had man to man talks.  I wanted the best for my daughter, and still do.  I have prayed for years and still do for my daughters' future husbands that they would be Godly men loving them as Christ loved the church.  I have prayed for her and his relationship that they would grow closer to God.
 He has now decided this is not what he wants, leaving my daughter to be a single mom. Yet she will not have to raise this baby on her own, she has the support of her mom and I along with church family and several friends that are there for her.  God does have someone for her, it is in His time he will be known.  This man will love her baby as is own and raise her in a Godly home.  Showing her Christ in his day to day life.  My daughter will learn to trust in God, to rely upon His strength and guidance during this time.  Even though this baby was conceived out of wedlock, that doesn't mean God has left her.  This trial will bring my daughter closer to God forging a stronger faith as she seeks his will and guidance.  She is not alone during this storm in her life, for God is the Father to the fatherless.    

Being Blessed

No matter what is going on in your life you still are blessed, You may not have adequate heat and maybe you never get cold enough in the summer maybe your house is falling apart and no way of getting a new one or repairing what you have. You may just have vehicles that are a burden to keep running, or just enough to pay bills or enough to keep them off your back. You may have just enough food to survive not necessarily what you want, but you do have food to eat. Your financial situation may look dim, and you may wonder how you will survive.  You may have dreams that seem out of reach. Relationships seem never to last and you may feel all alone.  We all face these things at one time or another, or you may be facing one or more above at this time.  But you don't have to look far and see that you still have more than someone else, even more than most people in the world. We personal are ones who face several  of the above, we have lost it all and slowly by the grace and mercy of God have slowly rebuilt. We are a far cry from were the world would say we are successful, there is still a lot that needs to be done, but yet we can be content knowing God will provide as He has in the past.  At lest we have a roof over our heads it may be falling apart it may not stay warm in winter or cool in the summer but at least we have a home.  Bills get paid, kids have clothes there is food in the cabinet and gas in the car.  You may want to complain of what you do not have but always remember there are those out there that would be grateful for what you already have! You are blessed never doubt it!