One of the hardest things for a person to do sometimes is to forgive another for a wrong done. Part of our heart as a Child of God is that we forgive because we are forgiven. If we cannot forgive another then God may not forgive us.

Jonah was a prophet from Gath Hepher who had restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo Hamath to the Dead Sea. He listened to God and spoke His Word so that others would remember God but he was not always the good and faithful servant as required to be a prophet. There was a time where Jonah was disobedient because he did not want an enemy saved and turned to God. His desire to have God only in Israel and Judea outweighed his designated mission of returning Nineveh to God.

Jonah heard God’s command but blatantly ignored it by going the opposite way and catching a boat to hide from God. We all know that we cannot hide from the All Powerful Father but he thought he could. Jonah’s unwillingness to be obedient caused the ship to nearly sink. He was thrown overboard and the sea calmed down only for Jonah to be swallowed by a large fish. While inside the large sea creature, Jonah repented and agreed to do God’s bidding but there was still doubt in his mind.

After Jonah delivered the message as ordered, there was a jealousy that turned to anger. He had set up shelter for himself but it did not cover his head fully so God placed a leafy plant over him. But because God knew Jonah was not right in his heart with forgiveness for the people, God removed the shelter of the plant.

God was trying to teach Jonah a lesson in forgiveness. Because his heart was heavy with grief and jealousy, God took away the one thing Jonah needed at the time. Jonah’s heart was in the wrong place as he only had concern for his well-being and not the souls of the Ninevites. When God turned away from Jonah, He was teaching him that how he felt about the Ninevites was wrong and that we all deserve God’s Love and forgiveness.

God loves everyone. When we cannot forgive or show God’s compassion towards others we are not showing God’s Unconditional Love as we should. When we are unforgiving, God is unforgiving to us. Jonah had to realize this so that his heart could be set right and go on doing God’s will throughout all the land.

If we love our neighbor as ourselves, we are loving them as God loves us. This love makes it easier to forgive. Those who do not know God cannot forgive no matter the circumstance. They become embittered with unkind thoughts. Though justice still must be done, a forgiving heart may touch the person who wronged in ways that only God can change. We can be God’s instruments of change but without an unrepentant, forgiving heart, our work means nothing.

Brothers and Sisters this completes this month’s concentration on Disobedience. Jonah learned to listen before it was too late. His problem was he did not want to share God with an enemy but had a change of heart. Lot’s wife and Aaron’s sons were not as fortunate dying quickly before restitution could be made. There was no returning for Saul even when he tried repenting, the power hunger was much to great for him to conquer. Saul’s disobedience set the example for future generations and he had to live with the decision made. He could have tried to change and been a better leader for and with God’s people, instead he chose death which caused the death of his sons on the battlefield and the eventual destruction of his line altogether.

What must we do? Listen, trust and obey God’s Word in all things. If we fall short we can return but we must choose to do so. Forgive even in the worst of circumstances. Show and share God’s Love with others.

In God’s Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God       

The new strain of flu that has surpassed the death toll of SARS is coming to a country near you. I was reading the news and decided to do a little research and what I found really startled me. There have been many diseases and epidemics that started in East Asia because of what they eat. This led to more research but for this I turned to Scripture.

 Did you know that there was a Torah before the Torah? Did you know that this Torah was meant for all mankind and can actually be found in many different cultures with certain omissions? There is a law that governs the plants and animals that we can use for food and the unfortunate thing is that the latest virus comes from two of the forbidden animals.   

What Happened

The people of the earth were doing their own thing and cared not for God. How many times in history have we heard that take place? The very first time it happened, God and the heavenly council took drastic action by covering the entire earth with water. This great flood was to remove the sinfulness of the world and start over. Noah, a faithful servant of God, and his family were the only humans kept alive. With one purpose, save two of every kind of animal. Unfortunately the every kind piece somehow also applied to Noah and family because sin was not completely washed away.

Noah and the First Food Law
With the flooding done, Noah was given specific instructions on the food he and his family could consume.  
Every creature that lives shall be yours to eat; as with the green grasses, I give you all these. You must not, however, eat flesh with its life-blood in it. Genesis 9:3-4

In other words, God is saying do not eat something that is still alive nor are you to eat anything that has not been properly prepared (a.k.a. it must be killed, slaughtered, and cooked).  Blood is life. To eat or drink the blood which still flows through the veins is considered sinful. Without properly preparing and cooking that which we eat can cause anything that was in the animal to transfer into us. This provides for healthy eating so that viruses and other contagions do not spread by blood or other means.  

God had set up many laws and guidelines for living that He imprinted in Adam so they are imprinted (yet distorted) in us. Throughout history God has set written reminders of these laws and guidelines on anything that it could be seen on. Including our hearts and our DNA. One of these governed food. In continuation of the above verse, more on blood is written:  
I will certainly demand an accounting for the blood of your lives: I will demand it from every animal and from every human being. I will demand from every human being an accounting for the life of his fellow human being. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; For in His image did God make man. Genesis 9:5-6

These verses led to the fourth Universal Law of Noah:
Do not eat a limb of a living animal.
i.e.
Respect the life of all God’s creatures. As intelligent beings, we have a duty not to cause undue pain to other creatures.

Later in Leviticus:
The following you shall abominate among the birds—they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, and the black vulture; the kite, falcons of every variety; all varieties of raven; the ostrich, the nighthawk, the seagull; hawks of every variety; the little owl, the cormorant, and the great owl; the white owl, the pelican, and the bustard; the stork; herons of every variety; the hoopoe, and the bat. Leviticus 11:19

 The Human Problem (Yum This Tastes Good)
Just because tastes good going in does not mean it is good for you. There are reasons God set about certain food laws later. One of the suggested reasons has to do with environment and the fact that sin had reentered the world on a global scale.

There are certain delicacies that people eat which may not have immediate bad reactions but over time do more harm than good. Certain bacteria, viruses, and other non-cooperative to good health are in the animals that are specified not to consume in Scripture. Even well-cooked there are negatives even if our bodies change to accept the foods available. When our bodies adjust to these foods our DNA changes to accept these as nourishment. Problem, when DNA changes it replaces our original structure and God is distorted.  

There were many years between Noah and Moses. So many that those who were separated in Babel no longer knew God as He desires. God chose a specific people but had to get their human bodies healthy and change their DNA back to the time of Noah. To do this God gave the following:

20 “‘All winged swarming creatures that go on all fours are a detestable thing for you; 21 except that of all winged swarming creatures that go on all fours, you may eat those that have jointed legs above their feet, enabling them to jump off the ground. 22 Specifically, of these you may eat the various kinds of locusts, grasshoppers, katydids and crickets. 23 But other than that, all winged swarming creatures having four feet are a detestable thing for you. Leviticus 11:20-23
 29 “‘The following are unclean for you among the small creatures that swarm on the ground: the weasel, the mouse, the various kinds of lizards, 30 the gecko, the land crocodile, the skink, the sand-lizard and the chameleon. Leviticus 11:29-30
41 “‘Any creature that swarms on the ground is a detestable thing; it is not to be eaten — 42 whatever moves on its stomach, goes on all fours, or has many legs — all creatures that swarm on the ground; you are not to eat them, because they are a detestable thing. Leviticus 11:41-42

Do these sound familiar? They should because they are constantly the subject of attacks by non-Christians to which the answer is Jesus and what He approved. I cannot say for sure but I am guessing that those who believe can eat certain things but are still held to all the Noahide Laws as well as the Ten Commandments. We are bound to them because we are God’s creation. I will cover the Noahide Laws on another time but I can tell you that all of the morality and ethical laws of Moses come directly from the law given to Noah.

Eating Right Leads to Good Physical and Spiritual Fitness

Throughout time we humans have experimented with different kinds of food. Our bodies adapted to the foods in the areas we live but there are always drawbacks to everything that is listed as detestable to God. Think of how many civilizations have died out because of their eating and health habits.

If you ask me, I think God is trying to tell us something. Isn’t it about time for the world to listen. Could this latest flu strain be a sign. Think about this: a large portion of a population whose leaders have had those who believe in God persecuted through jail and or murdered. This flu is mainly attacking young adults to 55 or 60 year olds. This affects the elders who have to care for them and leaves children without parents. They are seeking a cure. The cure is simple, eat right and turn to God.
Eating right and caring for the physical has an amazing effect on the spiritual self. The more we return to the habits and character God desires of us, the closer we are to Him and He will take care of us.
I do feel for those who have had to suffer due to the losses and those who are infected. I pray that the doctors and scientists can create a temporary solution that can lead to removing this current strain and help people back to decent health. Once they recover it will be time to reintroduce them to God.
I know this is a lengthy one but a good portion of spiritual fitness really does involve physical fitness. Our physical fitness and challenges are used to bring us closer to God. Some of us may never heal but if our spiritual resolve is stronger than our physical pain, we are on the right track.

May God spread His loving arms around us,
Rob, Servant of God     

When we disobey God there are three routes a person can take. One way leads to forgiveness, one way leads to losing God’s favor, and another leads to immediate death. Last Sunday we discussed King Saul’s disobedience that discredited him and he was removed from God’s sight as the anointed one. This week’s discussion on disobedience takes a look into the consequence of a simple statement which has deadly results. Let us see what happened to Ado, the wife of Lot.

A Troubled Mind  

Even with all the evil that Sodom and Gomorrah had been accused of and had been proven, Ado had found happiness in the lives of her daughters. There were many warnings and chances for Lot’s family and extended family through his son in laws to get the whole family out of the land but Lot’s married daughters had enjoyed life too much to leave and they also would not leave their husbands even though they were part of the evil in the land.

Lot and Ado’s youngest daughter, Paltith, had been killed by the authorities for being kind to a beggar who was starving (Book of Jasher 19:24-43). Ado had many memories that she would not let go of. Her life was filled with happiness, but she suffered through many incidents and those kept her in the world she knew even when given the chance to start over when saved from destruction.

The Order is Given

When they had brought them out, he said, “Flee for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain, but escape to the hills! Otherwise you will be swept away.”  Genesis 19:17

God told the messengers, who were sent to get Lot and family out, very specific orders. He wanted them to leave that life behind so that the family could start over again sharing the Word of God. Lot, seeing that the area they were being directed to was far off and possibly still in the destruction zone, pleads with the messengers:

Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lord! Here, your servant has already found favor in your sight, and you have shown me even greater mercy by saving my life. But I can’t escape to the hills, because I’m afraid the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. Look, there’s a town nearby to flee to, and it’s a small one. Please let me escape there — isn’t it just a small one? — and that way I will stay alive.” Genesis 19:18-20

The family made it to Zoar just in time for God to rain destruction on the cities. Without second thought Ado made a deadly choice.

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a column of salt. Genesis 19:26

What Choice Would You Make

God gave Lot and his family a second chance and the family would have been fine staying in the city. Ado chose to look back out of sadness and concern for the daughters she left behind with their husbands. She probably wanted to see the destruction of her daughter Paltith’s killers. I do feel sorry for her but at the same time she held on to things God wanted left behind. Choices were made and Ado’s disobedience led to her death.

When we choose to follow God we are held accountable for conducting ourselves in a way that is pleasing to God. Being pleasing to God means obeying His Word the best way possible. We all know we cannot do what He asks without messing up so He sent us Jesus. We still have to move forward without looking back and desiring our past. We have to let go of the things that will keep us from God which sometimes means leaving family and friends behind. It also means leaving our worldly ways that distract us from being in communion with God.

Sometimes God asks some very challenging things of us and it is up to us to make the choices that will be pleasing to Him. We are not to look back and desire our past like Ado had done. Granted we might not be turned into a pillar of salt but if we preserve our past in our minds, we fill ourselves with salt that dries us and consumes us leaving no space for God. What choice would you make?
 
In the Father’s Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God   

As children we are taught to be obedient to our elders. Our parents and those who are older are supposed to teach us right from wrong and make good choices so that when we are older we continue to choose a right way of living that makes our parents and ancestors proud. Unfortunately we are given into temptation because of the Fall and we are prone to make bad choices which have consequences. Each type of behavior has different consequences which can be life changing or completely ignored and people go back to their ways.

The life of Saul, the first king of Israel was filled with disobedience to God and the consequence ended in the removal of his kingship and destruction of those around him. At first he was a good king and led the people to victory but he had been seduced by the power given and began to disobey God while thinking he was doing the right thing. He was blind to the temptations that led to his sins.
   
Let’s examine one instance where Saul let his soldiers disobey God’s Word:
And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And the Lord sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said,
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
    as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to listen than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
    and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has also rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:17-23

Saul’s first mistake was not having the Amalekites completely destroyed by sparing King Agag. He then allowed his troops to take the best of the flocks instead of slaughtering them as ordered. The intention was to bring them back and sacrifice them to God but God did not want that. Saul believed he was doing the right thing but he was blinded by his perception that he was pleasing God through the sacrifices.

What God desired of Saul is the same that He desires of us. God gave us His Word so that we could know Him and desire a relationship with Him through obedience. Saul had a relationship with God when he was chosen to lead the people. God relied of Saul to be the example of what it is like to be obedient and have a close personal relationship with Him. When Saul made this mistake it was the nail in the coffin for his role as he had made small mistakes up to this point. Saul did not understand that sacrifice was only a temporary solution to the larger issue of sin. God was trying to convey that He desired the relationship with us that He had with Adam and Eve before sin entered the world.

Saul rejected the Word and thus rejected the relationship that had developed between him and God. In doing this, God rejected Saul as the leader example for His people Israel. It is from this point that Saul continued down the path of sinfulness and lived in fear of being replaced while he still lived.

David was eventually chosen to rule in Saul’s place. Although he was a man after God’s own heart, David was not without fault. David’s line of kings were the examples of disobedience and obedience that led to the eventual exile from the Land of the Promise so that they could learn to trust God and return to Him. It is this trust, this faith in obedience to God that leads to the personal relationship that is desired.

God sent His Son Jesus, the Word made Flesh, to the people in order to return them to the right way of living that God desires for us. A life of caring for our fellow man and having a personal relationship with God. The mission was successful in that Jesus made the final sacrifice and defeated sin and death, covering us with His blood and sanctifying us in God’s presence.

But just because we are covered does not mean that we can be disobedient and remain in God’s good graces. We must live a life in obedience the best we can and repent of our sinfulness, trusting that Jesus is the one who God sent to save us so that we can have a relationship with God. We place our faith in God so that He knows us as one of His children and that spiritual death has no power over us.

Brothers and Sisters, as we go through our daily lives we need to remember to keep God’s Word in our hearts and live in obedience through our love that is a reflection of God’s love for us as His children. In obedience we will live with God. In disobedience we will remain in darkness away from God. Share this love with others and do your best not to fall into the temptation as Saul did.

In God’s Loving Arms,

 Rob, Servant of God

We all suffer in many different ways. This life is full of pain and suffering but it doesn't have to be that way. Healing starts in the heart and mind. I know some of the pain is in those parts but it does not mean that God cannot work in you. God gave us a connection in prayer. 

Prayer is much more powerful than some are led to believe. Fervent prayers of one release a portion of the life giving spirit. But the mind speaks very loud when connected with other God fearing individuals in prayer. 

There is more proof in the power of prayer ever day that is left unspoken than has been put out by the media. We hear about blessings of healing all the time but what about the prayers that end in sending someone home. Those prayers that seem like failure are not failures because even in suffering someone is blessed. 

Prayers give relief when the request is true and not said to test or manipulate God. The manipulative prayer will backfire and may cause more damage than good. We cannot control God but we can request things that may influence outcomes. Prayers filled with humble faith can move mountains and bring relief to pain. Praying with a humble heart let's God see the truth of our concerns. 

Brothers and Sisters I have seen much in life and I am finally understanding the true importance of prayer. It is The conduit that allows direct communication with God. The most important thing is to listen. Pray from the heart not the head because the head can get foggy. Pray without the loud hauty voice that we hear in some churches. Do not rehearse prayers, those will not be answered. Pray in the moment raising the concerns of the heart. Life may hurt for a little while but there is joy when God is in your heart. May God hear your heart.

In His Arms,
​Rob, Servant of God

Do you have an unwavering enthusiasm filled with love and loyalty towards God? Are you devoted to Him? Devotion has many meanings but it boils down to one thing, Love for God. It is in Him that we have hope. It is by Him that we received Jesus who is hope. It is through the Holy Spirit we can live in the hope for our future. Our devotion to God is full of hope.

We Show Devotion Through Worship  
Worship is a form of devotion that we observe daily. Some Christians rely on daily devotional readings to empower them in God’s Grace. Others go straight to the Word in Scripture and devote their heart to learning and memorizing the Word. However God’s Word is received in these manners, God’s presence guides and directs a person to full devotion.

Song is another form of devotion through worship. If God’s Word and presence is at the forefront of the song and the focus is God and what He has done in our lives, we show our devotion as we observe the effect that the words and music have on our lives.
Our worship revolves around hope. We hope for Christ’s return and that our relationship is fully restored with God. We show this through our devotion in worship.

We Show Devotion Through Our Words and Actions 
Everything we do should be a reflection of God’s work in our lives. When we show others how God has affected us we are showing our devotion to His ways by following the example of Jesus. Because God wants us to emulate His Word in our lives, we live a life of devotion the best we possibly can.
 
How easy it is to say something, but without actions, words mean nothing. The simple act of kindness is one of the best ways to start. Kind gestures are habit forming. Something we must remember though, the actions are not ours to receive accolades. It is okay to be rewarded in some ways but do not expect it all the time.
 
Our hope is translated into the words and actions we do. We share our hope with others with the hope that the Kingdom gains another and the branches grow.
 
Expecting Accolades Places Your Devotion Away From God
Those who expect rewards no longer do things for God.
It is easy to get lost in how much you do for people and continually receive an “at a boy/girl”, but do not do things and expect it. As an example, we have a person at my secular job that tries really hard to receive accolades to the point of blasting our phones up with pictures of his accomplishments. He kept doing it until the boss got really tired and told him that he needs to stop. He did, but now he gets upset if someone else does something and succeeds. Sad thing is this person desires money and self-love yet calls himself Christian.     
 
Doing things for yourself and moving reliance away from God also changes where your devotions lie. This also changes our hope. The godly hope transforms into hope in the world which leads nowhere. Reliance in worldly things only leads to heartache and temporary happiness. Be careful what you do and who you are doing it for.
 
Can You Be Fully Devoted?
The hardest question is the easiest yet hardest to accomplish unless you have full faith and trust in God. Full devotion should be the desire of many Christians. Is it attainable? Yes. It is a hard road? It is quite narrow. Is it worth the suffering? Absolutely. You can still live as a part of the world just do not let the world take over all aspects of your life. Share the Word with all your heart, soul, and strength and you will be showing the love, hope, joy, and devotion you have for the Father who created, loves, guides, has compassion, disciplines, sends His Grace and Mercy, and Saves us from ourselves and death everlasting.
 
Brothers and Sisters, we can be devoted followers of God filled with hope because Jesus is our hope. The Word which is Him will come again and we will live with God forevermore.
 
In His Loving Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God

The United States Government has done something that many have been afraid of these past 20 years. Instead of bowing to those who threaten the world and have caused mass murder, the people in charge have set in motion a plan to removing those who would threaten our existence. This means removing some from the power they believe they possess by either death, removal from office, or imprisonment.
What is happening now has happened before and will happen again until God returns to claim His inheritance. This is the continuation of God's story. It is not over yet.
Some have tried to apologize for actions taken and have said some things that are actually more detrimental to people than the actions taken. They do not see past the nose on their faces. The Devil knows what is coming and has tried to delay through distractions and falsehoods in order to mislead people into believing they are doing what is best for the country and the world. Do not get me wrong, I am just as confused as many but through discernment and the eyes of the heart we can tell what is going on. 

Brothers and Sisters these are trying times and we need to Keep God's Word on our Hearts and Minds. God said through The Word and His Prophets that these things would occur. Prepare yourself to have things of the world removed and live as we once did long ago even if it just for a little while until Jesus comes to claim His rule over us.
Let us be in prayer for the world to give up this madness and come to the Kingdom of God.

In the Father's Loving Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God   

PEACE, what a beautiful word and the dream of all good men and women. We have this idea of living in a world where everybody gets along with one another with no more war, hunger, and no more pain. Because we are human, our nature goes against this idea and we fight every day to attain it in vain. But there is good news! The peace we are searching for can be found in the Spirit and the Love of God.

People in the ancient times knew of this inner peace where our spirits find rest. This inner peace is the product of the inner joy we receive from God when we accept His Love and follow His Word. Somewhere along the line we lost the truth of peace and made it a human dream where there is no more violence in the world. Without understanding the peace inside us we cannot have peace among us.

When we receive the joy of the Spirit there is a unique thing that happens in us. We become prone to suffering that feels more intense than ever before but that is God working in us to defeat the sin inside us. Jesus died for our sins but that does not mean we are no longer sinful. We must fight away the temptations that the devil places in front of us. But we can only do that through faith in God above for He is the one who saves us.

God gave us the Word in order to try to live a life of peace. To live in peace with others we need to find the peace within us. Abraham knew of this peace but he had to be tested. Isaac found peace but it was lost in Jacob and Esau. The twins found peace but somewhere along the line it was lost again.

We are in a time where our faith is tested daily and the life and temptations of man are more than many can bear. Inner peace is found through drug induced hallucinations that last only a short time. There cannot be human peace until we have peace within ourselves. To do that we must spread the Word of God and show His Love to all mankind.

Scripture tells us:
“In the highest heaven, glory to God!
And on earth, peace among people of good will!” Luke 2:14 (CJB)

Man tells us however that the angel sang this:
Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace and good will to all men.

What???? This was changed by man to make people believe that all they had to do is believe and they will be saved from death. This, we know is wrong. Just believing does nothing. Our lives must be turned towards God and His Will in us.

 The messengers spoke of inner peace to the people who are doing the right thing so that the suffering of the world would not affect them as much as the rest. Our souls are at ease when we are at peace with things of this world. When this happens: the little things no longer bother us; we do not care about another person's view of us; and we fully trust in the Lord our God, Father, Creator, to guide us and take care of us.  

Brothers and Sisters, this Christmas season is very important. We must share the good will of God with others so they too can receive the inner peace. God wants us all to come home so we must build the Kingdom here on earth. Share the Joy, Love, Hope, and Peace of God with others throughout the year and the years to come. We celebrate His birth in a few days. Let this celebration bring God into the lives of many.

In His Hands,

Rob, Servant of God

How do we find joy in the mysterious unknown. Mary was a young girl between 14 and 16 when she was visited by Gabriel and told that she would be with child through the Holy Spirit. She was betrothed at a very young age and she and Joseph still had months before the marriage process was complete. Because of her youth she was not tainted by man.

Scripture tells us that Mary accepted Gabriel’s announcement and the responsibility that had come with it, even though it would mean being ridiculed and possibly stone. She hoped that Joseph would accept this as well but he was tainted and could not just accept (at first) that Mary was chosen by God. Mary :   


And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”  Luke 1: 46-55

Mary chose to give up every bit of her normal human existence. She became a mother at a very young age but because of the inner joy that was implanted in her entire being, we get the impression that her devotion to God overruled everything else. It is this joy that takes us into the mysterious unknown that bothers so many who do not understand why fully devoted followers of God are as active and at the same time seem so distant in and from the world.

How beautiful it must have been for her to literally have God working inside her. When she opens up with her soul magnifying the Lord she is saying that the Holy Spirit within is working in ways that the Jews of the time would not understand. Certain practices use this as saying that she has an equal place with God but that is completely wrong. Her soul was in tune with the Word because she was filled with the Word and was in a place of complete joy and peace. She knew of God’s Plan for the time through the sacrifice which would return the Word back to God. God was not silent during Jesus time on earth. We see through the New Testament that He was at work daily.

This part of the Gospel shares how the Word was working within her. Mary shares God’s Power in the Scriptures showing how He works in the hearts of man, both believers and unbelievers. It is not fully known if this was passed down to the exact wording or God spoke these words to Paul since Luke was the scribe for him. But this section gives Christians a deeper sense of the  strength, joy, and peace, within us as God works in our lives.

Brothers and Sisters, take heart in the Word and Keep it on your heart. The Word was firmly planted on Mary and provided the example for a fully devoted heart for God. We cannot experience the same as she did but we can come close. Find that inner joy and it will bring the inner peace that comes with knowing God.

In His Loving Arms,

Rob, Servant of God

The crazy thing about being a Christian is that words mean a different thing to us.When some speak of joy they are talking about excitement or an outpouring of elated happy emotions that brings a smile to all around. For us, joy is completely different yet almost exactly the same. Joy is the feeling in our hearts that we receive when we invite God in and accept His power in and over us. This inner joy helps us get through the toughest times. This means we can accept the things that happen around us and can discern what is in God's plan or perverted by Satan. We can see the dangers ahead because of the inner peace that joy brings.

Some folks have a problem with this because when we are in times of suffering we accept our fate. When a loved one is seriously ill we accept it as intervention and something good will come from it. Losing a loved one is hard to accept but if the suffering had grown the faith of the person and all those around, then there is joy at the end of the pain. 

Brothers and Sisters pray for my family while my dad is going through chemo. My sister and step mother are at wits end as caretakers and I will be up with him in January to restructure the house and take over some of the care. Dad is suffering but has accepted what is happening. Help us in prayer through building up our inner joy and peace.

In God's Embrace,

​Rob, Servant of God

The Internet is the information highway that has many functions. It is a place to share your life with family that is not living near you and a way to reconnect. Email is a faster way of getting out news to the people who need to know. It is a way to save trees by paying bills, sending letters, cards, research, and sharing vacation photos. A way for those who cannot leave the home to order necessary items. With all the good the Internet brings it also allows for sinfulness and evil purposes. The internet has caused more people to allow sin into their lives, to “be someone they are not” (that is a lie) in real life. Herein lies the problem. The WWW is the best tool for Satan to entrap us and keep us from God.      

Distractions

The Internet is the place where we are inundated with distractions. Yes it is a place for catching up on the latest news about Aunt Betty’s ulcer but at the same time it keeps us from spending time with the people we love physically. There are more times where we have some kind of electronic device in hand either playing a game or being on social media than physically communicating or having family time.

These distractions, if not monitored or intentionally given a period of time can take time away from the more important things in life. They cause you to procrastinate or ignore things that you promised yourself or someone else that you would take care of. Worst of all, these distractions keep you from your personal time with God.

Big Brother IS Watching

Everything you say and do on the internet is saved somewhere. The servers hold information and even when they get full and are purged, the information still exists. Be careful what you do because people hack into other’s lives all the time. We are watched, heard, invaded. Thing is, some of us have welcomed it with open arms. The internet has been known to destroy and save lives.

The Internet Encourages Sinful Behaviors   

Social Media is the best place (outside of a library or wisdom from elders) to learn about things that you may need to know to survive. But Social Media, Dating Sites, and other things encourage people to do things they believe that they can get away with and not have consequence. Even the most secure and closely monitored sites are not really as secure as they seem. What you do on the web stays on the web for anyone to see.

Just because you are not physically standing or on the phone speaking to another does not mean you can say hurtful things and not suffer the consequence. Shaming another is being judgmental which is a sin. When you play with someone’s emotions through trolling our outright degrading someone you cause the person harm. Did not Jesus warn us about these things. The internet is a way to voice what we are thinking while believing there will be no ramifications. In other words, the "being someone they are not", is the exact opposite because the faceless internet allows people to show their true colors. Thinking and speaking on the internet through the written word is more dangerous than physical speech.

Social Media personalities have to have a strong will and be able to move forward no matter what. They open themselves up to ridicule because their personal lives are open for everyone to see. Scripture tells us not to let every soul into our lives so that we do not open ourselves up to these things. Thing is, some people thrive on the attention and desire to be loved by all. This is Satan causing us to idolize and worship the physical and tearing us away from God. Personally, I do not care who is dating who, who is divorcing, who wants to show their body to the world. I do not need to know those things because I am not in their circle of close relations. Nor should anyone else care but those who are physically part of their lives.

Trolling causes confusion and anger. People hide behind the mask of the human word to get others riled up. Trolling is hateful speech that can cause much dis-heartedness and others to lash out in anger. Brothers and Sisters this is a bad way to be on the net. Some do it just to cause conversation and arguments. Some of these have turned into unintentional violent behaviors. Remember, words hurt more than any physical weapon. If you find yourself in a situation with a troll, stop and move away from the conversation. If it persists, delete yourself from it and move on.

The Internet is a window to the Seven Deadly Sins. Well, honestly it is a window to all sin but the Seven Deadly are more pronounced. Never before has temptation been more readily available and enticing than on the net. Immoral behaviors of all types are readily available to watch and become a participant in which have rippling effects that lead to  suffering consequences physically and mentally. If you see yourself moving that way, stop.

Do not open up yourself on the internet to cause others to say hurtful things. Jesus had told us that even the thought of saying something hurtful is just like committing the physical sin of murder. Keep certain thoughts and things to only those who are close and will be compassionate, and do not encourage another’s sinfulness. If you are hurting, only inform those whom you believe will be compassionate to your pain. Our lives should be open books but not open to the world.

It doesn’t matter how many friends you have on Social Media, how many likes you receive, or how many followers you have. God will bring those who truly need to hear what you have to say to it. It is okay to share accomplishments but do not seek and depend on accolades to make yourself feel good about what you have done.    

The Internet Can Be Used For Good         

To get God’s Word out to those who need it but have no access to Bibles, pastors, or missionaries, the internet is a great tool. In fact that what Path-Way was originally about. We have reached well over 80 countries and have been the mustard seed, water, and or fertilizer to help others grow in the faith.

My dad is going through some real rough times and I depend on the internet to see how he is doing since I am hundreds of miles away. We use video chat to see our family and friends who are away and to give assistance through talking someone through an activity while seeing what they are doing. For example, helping your college student cook, prep, or repair something. Or just seeing them and talking face to face through a screen. By the way, prayers please for my dad, he has cancer that is lymphatic and has started chemo.

I have heard of face-time and video chat saving someone from suicide, talking someone out of committing crimes and other sinful acts. Using the Internet can save lives and souls.

In Conclusion       

Brothers and Sisters, this man made tool can be used for good and evil purposes. We must be vigilant and tread carefully on how we use it. I personally do like a good distractible game sometimes but I do not stay on it for long because my number one priority is time with God and family.

Please do not let electronic media control you and take over your relationships with others. Interact with others face to face as often as possible. Live and share life with those you love and who God puts into your life. Reach out, spread the good news of the Gospel, show God’s work in your life.

In God’s Loving Embrace,

Rob, Servant of God

This Sunday has two differing views. Some Traditions say this is the Advent of Peace, others say Love. If we put the two together we get FAITH. So today let us look at the faith of Joseph. Scripture tells us that Joseph was troubled when the angel Gabriel announced to Joseph that Mary is with child and He will be called Jesus, Yeshua, Emmanuel, God With Us, Prince of Peace. What a heavy burden to bear that his wife to whom he just was betrothed (modern engaged) to. He was working on the home where they would live which was an extension of his old home to make more room when Gabriel came to him in a dream. Joseph was not ready for this. He had to work on his faith.

Faith is Having Trust in God

Joseph’s faith was put to the test. His young bride would be nearing childbirth even before the marriage ceremony would take place. What could he do? Divorce her, hide her away, could he speed up the process of marriage since he already had a home and a business? Mary was ok with the Will of God using her but to Joseph, their reputation was on the line. Mary would be ousted from the community or possibly stoned. But God soothed the thoughts of the man who would be raising His Son.

Gabriel came to Joseph and told him not to fear and to trust God because He will take care of all things. Joseph was still worried about others in the community to include his own family. But after a while Joseph came to realize that God has a plan and he must do as God says. He changed his trust from those around him to listening and trusting solely in God.

Faith Moves Mountains

Because of the situation, Mary went to see her cousin Elizabeth who was with child. The Gospel tells us that John leapt (or moved vigorously) in the womb when Mary approached Elizabeth. How did he know? The simple answer is that since they were gifts of the Holy Spirit they recognized each other. But science could say this. The child developing in the womb feels what the mother is feeling and the eternal joy and inner peace that Elizabeth had went into overdrive and the very presence of Mary. The messenger told Elizabeth that Mary was also with child and He is the Messiah.

Joseph, in the mean-time, was still struggling with what to do. He had already sent Mary away but what happens when she returns? He still was not in full with God’s plan but his faith was moving. Judea was under Roman rule and a census was decreed where all Jewish men had to go to the towns of their forefathers. Joseph married Mary. The Baby was near due so He  took her to Bethlehem.

We trust in God that He will take care of things. As mountains actually do move slowly we must have patience and wait for God’s timing. As our faith grows, mountains are moved because God’s Will is active in our lives. Joseph put his full trust in God since the angel Gabriel came and soothed all his worries. He trusted God more than ever and did as God had told him.

Faith is Full Devotion to God   

Joseph surrendered fully to God and followed His Will. Finding a place in Bethlehem at the time was not easy and I am sure a little frustrating but God moves people in mysterious ways. We are told that the Baby was ready to be born so a place had to be found quickly. In their frustration they still trusted God and were set up in a stable. The devotion of Mary and eventually Joseph brought them to the place where it was preordained that Jesus would come into the world. The Word has come to Bethlehem. Praise Be to God.

In God’s Loving Embrace,

 Rob, Servant of God

Having Hope is a wonderful thing. To hope is to trust in, wait for, look for, to desire or expect something that is beneficial for the future. This first Sunday in Advent we are to remember the hope of the prophets and the people Israel. We also wait for the return of God’s Son, Jesus, who will renew the earth and remove sin once and for all. Let us begin this day by examining what it is to hope.

Trust and Obey

Hope is to trust in the fact that God will be, and is present in times of trouble. We trust that our hope will bring peace to the internal strife that complicates our communion with God. Trust in God means that we are reliant on Him in times of trouble that He will deliver us. We trust in God for provisions. Trust in God is giving up all things to Him so that through Him we can live a life free from the worries of this world. It is up to us to believe that God will be there. It is this belief that helps us make it through the day and all situations it may bring. When you fully rely on God wonderful things happen.  To trust in God is to have faith in Him alone.

Our trust in Him is proven through our obedience to His Word. We have the most difficult time with this because of our sinful nature. To conquer our sinfulness, God gave us rules and guidelines to follow. The Commandments He has for us are not attainable because if we break one, we break all. Knowing this, God sent His Son to us as a sacrifice who took away the penalty of death for our sinful nature.  

When we trust and obey we receive a joy and peace that is truly well beyond our human comprehension. Where do you put your trust?

Wait For God

Scripture encourages us to wait for God with Hope and an expectant heart. When we are in trouble we wait for God to turn things around to our favor. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD (Psalm 27:14). We are also told to wait patiently, I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry (Psalm 40:1). Psalm 130:5 encourages with these words, “I wait for the LORD, my whole waits, and in His Word I put my hope”. Waiting for God may seem daunting at times when you really desire something immediately but remember, we are on His time, not ours.

Look For Him

We are to seek Him with patient endurance. As we wait on God we are to persevere in everything we do for His Glory no matter the earthly consequence. By this we are to be in total obedience to His Great Commission and seek Him in the lives of others as well as our own lives. Funny thing is, we really do not have to look further than the nose on our face. If we search inside ourselves, God is there. Our problem is that we look in the mirror and see our vanity and conceit more than we see His Glorious work that is ourselves.

How simple it is to see God’s handiwork in all of creation. We just have to open our hearts and minds to literally smell, hear, see, and taste our Father’s work all around us. When seeking answers and seeking God we only need to ask Him to open our heart and turn on the light.

Desire  

The non-Christian may see that word and think we are talking either in a sensual manner or other physical means. To desire God is to need His Love and light in our lives. We have no desire for riches, fame, or any material thing that takes our mind off of communion with God. We should not desire the things that distract us, that is what Satan wants us to do. To desire God is to keep His Word in our heart and let it control our thoughts and actions.

If we turn from the Word we turn from God and risk being lost to Satan which means our lives (both physical and spiritual) are forfeit. Desiring, idolizing, wanting to be something you are not designed to be are ways that Satan keeps us from our true desire which is eternal life with God.

Our Hope Is In Christ  

God sent His Son to share the Word and correct us in our thoughts and ways. He turned many back to God who had been lost to the desires and needs of the world. The Israelites were looking for a leader who would conquer the world. What they did not know was how the Messiah would actually accomplish this. He came, corrected many, returned many, turned many, suffered ridicule, mocked, accused of blasphemy, whipped, beat, and died as the ultimate sacrifice. Because of God desiring communion with us, He gave up His most precious gift in the form of a man to die for our salvation. God saved us.

Jesus will return. The children of the Book know this. The hope is that He either comes in our life time or at least within a time frame when our children’s children have full knowledge and share our hope in Him. We wait expectantly for His return with an anticipation that is slower than Heinz Ketchup. If we speed up our anticipation we will suffer disappointment. Remember, be prepared because He Himself said that He would return as a thief in the night. We have to expect the unexpected. Have hope in God which moves with Him.

Brothers and Sisters, this holiday season is filled with tough and trying times. We really do not know which way this world will turn from one second to the next. We must turn away from the troubles of this world and place all our hope in God. In Him we can accomplish anything that He desires us to do. Without Him we fall. What will you do to share this hope with your fellow man?

Hoping in the Lord our God,

Rob, Servant of God

How often do we say thank you and not really mean it? I know some folks who just say it to get others to not bother them. In fact we are all guilty of that in one form or another. For some, thanks is just a five letter word and is used from the mouth not the truth in the heart. The mind is on something else and we just say it to say it. Kind of like saying sorry when you really don’t mean it. This is something that we really must consider and in consideration to others find a different, kinder way of expressing our thoughts rather than use words without proper intentions.

Thankfulness

Scripture tells us to be thankful to God for His Grace, Mercy, Love, Testing, and Correction. Meaning in all things be thankful to our Creator who gives us life, guides us, disciplines us, forgives us, and saves us. To be full creatures under God’s Unending, Unconditional Love should we not also be the same way with our fellow man?

Being thankful is not an easy task sometimes. The hard in heart have a difficult time with this because they really do not know what or how to say any form of gratitude. For some, within their own close family saying thank you is not easy either.

Thankfulness Starts in the Heart

We are creatures of habit but our habit must begin somewhere. Because of our good and bad natures we immediately learn the difference and meaning of “no” or not good, and “yes” or good. The innocence of not understanding is guided to doing right or wrong things to learn. How we are disciplined when we are young stays in the heart.

Thankfulness is a feeling that begins with rescue. The infant is rescued from hunger and dirty diapers and then given comfort when falling asleep. The child is exposed to gratitude when they feel nourished, clean, and protected. As the child grows, sparing the rod (simple Godly discipline) shows the child that they can get away with anything. If this continues then the child will probably grow up not understanding right from wrong and not knowing how to be grateful. Yes we have to let kids be kids but they must learn boundaries of behavior.

As the child develops so do morals and values. Children learn from observing and doing. They learn from example. The best way for the child to learn gratitude is exposure to Godly love and care through those that are part of the child’s life. This is what our Father gives to us.

Proverbs 22:6 tells us what we are supposed to do for our children so that they can be acceptable members of society in both body and spirit. Overdoing it can be just as bad as not doing it at all. The best thing to do is to be an example to them.  

If we are not taught respect and good manners in the home, how do we expect them to respect and honor those outside the family circle. There are many different cultures in this world. Some are very thankful and filled with gratitude, while others are so busy that good manners are totally out the window. Some people expect others to give and do not give back even a smile. There are some that I have unfortunately had a non-Christian moment with where I wished they would be struck with hard times so they would learn gratitude. I know that is not right for me or anyone for that matter but some do really need it.

Thankfulness in Suffering

Even though Adam and Eve disobeyed, God did not kill them and start over. He taught them to be thankful even though they suffered loss. Being thankful in times of distress is not easy but God put something into our hearts that makes it possible, His Love. Though we feel sadness and may even question God, we should be able to thank Him. Not because we survived but because it was through God that the outcome was what it was. The lesson learned is that God’s Plan is His and we are part of it. Just because we suffer does not mean someone else is not brought to God.

A Grateful Heart

The grateful heart is one that is thankful in all situations. God teaches us through His Word to be thankful for all things through, to, and in Him. This gratefulness for God that builds in the heart gives us the strength, knowledge, and courage to face the world and everything that Satan tries to pull us from God.

Having a grateful heart is not always easy but when we are grateful for even the smallest blade of grass and grain of sand, we learn to grateful for the things that are out of our control and everything that is put in our path. It is a great way to live. In fact, Scripture tells us that God desires us to live that way.

Brothers and Sisters have a great Thanksgiving and carry this gratefulness into the next and every year God gives you. May God Bless You with fullness of a Grateful heart and a better understanding of His Grace, Mercy and Love.

In His Loving Embrace,

Rob, Servant of God   

There is something wonderful that happens when we are in the condition of Praising and Worshiping our Father God. This feeling that is deep inside our hearts can express the joy that overcomes our very being as we give our whole selves over to Him. When we worship we are connecting with God in ways that are well beyond our human comprehension.

When we praise God in song and give praises of thankfulness for the situations in our lives, we are overwhelmed with a feeling of peaceful contentment which excites and calms us in order to deal with any situation in which we find ourselves. Being in this state of Worship and Praise is never ending but in this day and age where anyone can write a song we must be able to discern the heart of the writer and examine the truth of the song.

The Truth of Song  

A song is an expression of the heart and mind of the person who writes it. When it comes to Christian music there must absolutely no faltering from the Ten Commandments. There are three Commandments that specifically come to mind. 

They are:
ב 3 “You are to have no other gods before me. 4 You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline. 5 You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, Adonai your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but displaying grace to the thousandth generation of those who love me and obey my mitzvot.
ג 7 “You are not to use lightly the name of Adonai your God, because Adonai will not leave unpunished someone who uses his name lightly. Exodus 20: 3-7 (CJB)

Simply put, song of worship and praise are from us to Him and for Him. We are not to write songs from His perspective because even though we are given a glimpse into what He can do for us, we must not express that in a way that can be misinterpreted. When one writes a song that places God in the first person, that person is putting words into God’s mouth which is in direct violation of the Third Commandment and definitely should not be sung openly. Also, do not allude to God but He is to be mentioned outright. The songs are to and for Him after all.  

Worship and Praise in song are expressions of what God does in our lives and how it has affected our faith, our trust in Him. They are to speak of God’s work in our lives and pronounce the Good News of the Gospel in ways that compel others to learn more and work towards a closer, more personal relationship with Him. Many of the hymns prior to the 1930s had evident Scripture in the words. This is something that is missing in most Contemporary Christian music.   

If you were to listen to modern music from Middle Eastern Christian and Messianic Jews, every song is taken directly from Scripture. From full Psalms to portions of Psalms and other Scriptures, the praise and worship there is filled with Scripture. God tells us to keep His Word hidden in our hearts which means to treasure the Word. In this way we remember the Word and are able to express it in every facet of our lives. If the Word is not treasured then we run the risk of sin taking over us.

Instrumentation in the Church

Some folks are still at odds with having full instrumentation in the church and prefer a single  organ, piano, acoustic guitar, or no instruments at all. That didn’t seem to bother our ancestors. Praise and worship with instruments was part of the everyday celebration. The old cathedrals were acoustically designed for the organ to be heard blasting throughout. Psalm 150 tells us to celebrate in praise with instruments and dance.

Halleluyah!
Praise God in his holy place!
Praise him in the heavenly dome of his power!
Praise him for his mighty deeds!
Praise him for his surpassing greatness!

 Praise him with a blast on the shofar!
Praise him with lute and lyre!
Praise him with tambourines and dancing!

Praise him with flutes and strings!
Praise him with clanging cymbals!
Praise him with loud crashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise Adonai!
Halleluyah!

The loud ruckus of wind, stringed, and percussion instruments is part of praising God. Granted. The instruments should not be louder than the voices but it is still part of it. We are to celebrate His Almighty Power, His Grace, His Mercy, and all He has done and does for us in the best way we know how. This is praise and worship in song and dance. When did we get so stuffy?

Leaders Of Worship

The main job of leaders in music worship is not to put themselves on a pedestal but to help others through directing the corporate praise and worship. Too many worship leaders try and put themselves in a high place when all they are doing is changing the direction of worship. The stage on which the band plays and the vocalists sing on should be considered as part of the altar where sacrifices are made to God. When we play and sing we are using the gifts God gave us to glorify Him and Him alone.

Since we are no longer required to give blood sacrifices thanks to God sacrificing His Son, Jesus, we are giving the sacrifice of praise and worship which resounds throughout the church. It should also be heard outside the church and not contained in a building. The plants, trees, rocks, and animals are also part of God’s creation so should they not also hear it so that they may join in?

Concerts?

Leaders of music worship are leaders who have been entrusted to bring others to God through song, reading of the Word, and prayer. It is not a concert, do not treat it as such. Do not take accolades and let them rule the heart but send the accolades to God. Christian artists should not be awarded for their efforts by man and material means. They are awarded in the heart and receive the best when they reach heaven because of the hearts they touch.

Capitalization and fame are two things that are not on God’s good graces list. I will admit to wearing song verses on shirts but I see them as conversation starters. When we place names and faces on things we are basically idolizing them a violation of Commandment #s 1and 2. We can enjoy without idolizing we just have to be cautious and recognize what we are doing.

We can enjoy the music and don’t get me wrong I do enjoy listening to and singing along with certain Contemporary Christian Music but I do not idolize the person(s) who sing it. I have attended some just to get the exposure of what Christians do and in some cases meet with the people who sang and played. You can definitely tell the difference between those who are in it for the Glorification of God and those who desire the recognition and money.

What Can We Do?

Brothers and Sisters, the current situation in which we find ourselves has the youth coming to Christ through contemporary song. When we see or hear of any person deciding on Christ through music worship alone we are responsible to make sure it is genuine. It is the responsibility of those closest to the person to watch and guide the growth into right Christianity and not “Jesus worship”. Teach discernment, disciple them, and follow-up, but mostly shower them with God’s Love.  

If you see a worship leader start changing for the worst, bring it up to the person in a Christian manner. Do not chide but express the Love of God and His Glory needs to be above all else. If you hear a Christian song that does not sound right, turn it off. Do not let the confusion of others become your own. If a song is sung in church that does not sound right, stop singing and start praying. If you are in a praise and worship band express your concern for songs that do not Glorify God. I care for your spirit and the spirit of those who are close to you. Keep His Word on your heart and let it give you strength.

Wrapped in His Love,

 Rob, Servant of God

Brothers and Sisters, we have a problem. We are not following the commands of God. During my daily time with the Father in His Word today I was reading Leviticus. In the 25th chapter there is a section on the poor within the community that are citizens of said community. This is an Ordinance from God that does not go away during the time of Jesus but is in fact emphasized on how we are supposed to be in our daily lives.

I know that we have Christians that are told not to worry about the Old Testament and concentrate only on the New, but that is the wrong answer. We have to know the Laws, Statutes, Histories, Stories, Proverbs, and Psalms, to really understand our Father God and what Jesus was completing, reemphasizing, teaching, and sharing with all who would hear Him. It gives the back story on why Jesus was against the Sanhedrin in their ways. The Old Testament is absolutely necessary for our faith.

Anyway, I want to discuss this problem with the homeless as mentioned above and why we have failed. First let us take a look at what God told Moses to tell the people:    

“‘If a member of your people has become poor, so that he can’t support himself among you, you are to assist him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident, so that he can continue living with you. Do not charge him interest or otherwise profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue living with you. Do not take interest when you loan him money or take a profit when you sell him food. I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt in order to give you the land of Kena‘an and be your God. Leviticus 25:35-38 (CJB)

Each tribe was to take care of their own and the brothers people as well. I know it sounds like we are to take them in to our homes and take care of them until they are back on their feet. When we help the homeless we are to treat the homeless as if they are family. But, in today’s society there are so many it would be difficult. The problem is so bad that shelters are full meaning more and more people are living on the streets, in the parks, basically anywhere they can find.

In Isaiah, the Prophet is chiding Israel for their false fasting and explains: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. Isaiah 58:6-12

Isaiah is telling them that they have failed in conducting themselves in accordance with the Statutes set by God. “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered”(Proverbs 21:130). Here he talks about the joy that comes from helping others and the presence that God will have in their lives as He strengthens and blesses those who give of themselves and their blessings to help others; Many today have failed in this as well. Some that have helped seek human gratitude instead of waiting for the Father’s blessings which is where they fail. “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 13:13-14). We are to bring nourishment to those who cannot help themselves so that they see Jesus in us. Our reward is received on God’s time, not seeking earthly accolades.

One of the biggest problems in American society is how we treat those who are less fortunate. Proverbs 14:31 states, ”Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” I am ashamed of those who not only look down upon them but also those who give them a bad name and reputation by falsely seeking assistance which takes away from those who are truly in need.

One very important fact that needs to be remembered is that we all come from the same mold. Just because we look different, speak differently, and have different ways of looking at life we all have one Father, One Creator, God Almighty. We are responsible for each other for we are made to care for creation of which ALL people are part of.

Brothers and Sisters, I could go on and on about the many Scriptures that tell us to help those in need, less fortunate, and without but that would take about 10 to 20 pages. If we stand up and do as God asks of us then this problem can be contained and controlled. Unfortunately there will always be poor and destitute people in the world but with God all things are possible. We can put an end to people finding unhealthy ways of joy and happiness which are only temporary by showing them God’s love through our actions and sharing the Word with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Cain asked God if he was his brother’s keeper, I am here to say yes, yes we are.
Be the Person God needs you to be.

In God’s Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God

Worship is the matter of the heart – the attitude with which we live our lives to God.
Oh how we desire to be in the presence of God. The best way to be in His presence while on earth is through Praise and Worship. Worship (as we continue to speak of) is more than just singing and playing instruments. It is the quiet moments spent in the Word and prayer, the gathering of two or more studying together and building relationships, it is everything we do that gives Glory to God.

So why do I ask you to consider worship? Because there is a new worship culture that focuses less on God and more on things of the earth. Worship should be God focused, relationship building, and biblically based. More and more of the music is less and less centered on God's Glory. This earth bound Christian music culture needs to return to the basics of Scripture so that we do not lose the youth any more than the damage already done.

When faith is based on the music heard, and the music has little Scriptural backing, it is not for God. Some popular Christian songs as of late are written as if it is God talking to us. That is okay to a point but the message is actually misconstrued to a point where there is no rhyme or reason why He is fighting for you. In fact, God is barely even spoken of in that song.
And then we have a song that says that "You have never failed me yet". We are the ones that fail Him and the way this song is makes it sound as if the writer is thanking God but at the same time it is confusing to a new Christian who feels the increased struggle and pull of Satan. What this person may think is that God will not let him fall. This is wrong. Even though God does not want us to fall we are given free will to choose what we do. It is up to us to stand firm or trip and fall. We cry out to Jesus. and are picked up but we have to fall to understand God's grace and mercy.

Another one says that the only name we need is Jesus. Yes we cry out to Him but we must remember that God is the one who saves us. We put our trust in God and worship Him as Jesus said not to worship Him but worship the Father. Yes Jesus said that He and the Father are one which means He is a part of God but He is not the only part we should recognize and give glory to.
Jesus is the Word that became flesh so that we could understand what God meant when He said and did what He did for us. God's name is what matters it is His name we need. 

Be careful with the new music that is being churned out and produced to be played to the masses. Music can be the beginning of learning but do not base faith on human words through Music. Put your whole life in God's hands through reading and understanding the Word in Scripture and constant conversations with God. Do not let the conversations be one sided but quiet your tongue and mind, and listen. 

I speak these things out of love and compassion for your souls.
In God's Arms,
Rob, Servant of God               

Brothers and Sisters, I was studying Psalm 40 recently and I felt the desire to write on it today. The beginning of this Psalm talks of a person waiting on God to hear the suffering the writer is feeling.   
 
I waited patiently for Adonai, till he turned toward me and heard my cry.
He brought me up from the roaring pit, up from the muddy ooze,
and set my feet on a rock, making my footing firm.
 
Do you hear the cry of a person in the darkness, apart from God, until the cry is heard for release from the suffering of sin? Then when He lifts us up, He gives us the strength and courage to be held by Him in all situations.
 
God brought us out of the depths of sin and set us on the rock which is the Word that fills us and encourages us to face anything the world puts in our way.  

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will look on in awe and put their trust in Adonai.
How blessed the man who trusts in Adonai and does not look to the arrogant
or to those who rely on things that are false.

When we turn towards God leaving the world behind we are given new eyes that see Him, a new mouth that speaks the Word from our hearts, a new purpose found only in God’s truths.   

How much you have done, Adonai my God! Your wonders and your thoughts toward us --
none can compare with you! I would proclaim them, I would speak about them;
but there’s too much to tell!

Because we see with new eyes and speak with a new heart we can know the awesome wonders that God has done in all creation the way He desires us to see it. He gives us the words to speak but no matter how much we try to tell, there are ever more words to describe His Grace, His Glory, His Mercy, His Praise. So much that not one person can speak of the entirety of God.

Sacrifices and grain offerings you don’t want; burnt offerings and sin offerings you don’t demand. Instead, you have given me open ears; so then I said, “Here I am! I’m coming!
In the scroll of a book it is written about me.

God does not desire physical offerings that are burnt with the sweet aroma raising to heaven, He desires a personal relationship with us as we should with Him. We should be running the race, following His Word and Commands while keeping our part of the covenant made with our very souls in mind. We are His inheritance and have been bought with the blood of His Son, the incarnate Word, Jesus. It is He who gave us the pure example of how God desires us to live on this earth. We are to live for God in good relationship with each other, helping each other not destroying ourselves through lies and sinfulness.

This Psalm gives me the encouragement to bring others to God through the knowledge of His character and values that we have within us. To know that His truth is the only truth we need to place our trust in. Oh to be in the protection of His loving arms, sharing His love with all people.
Keep His Word on your heart and remember the sacrifice God had made so that we can return to Him. God’s Love, Grace and Mercy be with you all of your days.

In Christ,

Rob Servant of God

Psalm 139 is a beautiful discourse on the intimate knowledge that God has of each one of us. David is known as a man made after God’s own heart and this describes the wonder, knowledge, and understanding that the heart in each of us should be aware of. God’s Love for us goes so deep that He is fully concerned with every move we make. Every motion, every thought, every ounce and atom of our very being is important to God’s plan.

Omniscience Of God

In the opening 6 verses we see God’s Knowledge in our thoughts, words and actions.
1Adonai, you have probed me, and you know me.2 You know when I sit and when I stand up,
you discern my inclinations from afar,3 you scrutinize my daily activities.
You are so familiar with all my ways4 that before I speak even a word, Adonai,
you know all about it already.5 You have hemmed me in both behind and in front and laid your hand on me.6 Such wonderful knowledge is beyond me, far too high for me to reach.

This part tells us right away that God knows our every move. Since we have the gift of free will we are given choices to make which determine how we will function throughout the day. What we are inclined to do because of human nature is not always the best choice but God has a way to put us on the right track. Verse four tells us that He already knows the choices we will make in what we say and how that will affect our lives and the lives of those around us. How one eternal and everlasting Omnipotent being can know the heart of every God breathed creation is well beyond what anyone can fathom to understand, but He does. 

How often do we think something to say and then stop ourselves from saying it? Better yet, how often do we think of doing something disregarding the possible consequences but when we begin to take action something tells us to stop. That is the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Sometimes we go through with speaking or acting out our thoughts and have to deal with the consequences of our words and actions. Only God know why He allows us to make mistakes but we do learn from them. Maybe our mistakes are there to help us recognize our need for a closer relationship with God who will forgive us when we acknowledge our mistakes, our bad choices, our sins, through repentance by asking forgiveness first from the person or persons we wronged then asking God. Thus bringing us closer to Him through His Grace and Mercy.   

He knows all things even before we speak or take action on what we think. If we understand this then it makes certain choices we make even harder. When we are tempted to do something we should remember this section and know that we cannot hide what we are considering doing.

Omnipresence Of God

This next section tells us that He is ever present and can be everywhere.
7 Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I lie down in Sh’ol, you are there.
9 If I fly away with the wings of the dawn and land beyond the sea,
10 even there your hand would lead me, your right hand would hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Let darkness surround me, let the light around me be night,”
12 even darkness like this is not too dark for you; rather, night is as clear as day,
darkness and light are the same.

This does not mean He inhabits everything as humans are the only creatures in creation given the breath of God. But it does mean that His presence can be felt in us, beside us, all around us. He is not creation but is all around the creation. His presence can be felt in the rustling of the leaves, the movement of the wind on the grass, the water that pours out from the heavens, the explosions from deep inside the earth that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. He is everywhere. 

Adam and Eve found this out the hard way because the choice made due to the words that Eve spoke to the serpent. Eve’s words to the serpent adding to what the command God gave made it easy for the serpent to convince Eve to take the fruit of the tree. The consequences of this conversation were placed on all involved to include the serpent so it was not just humanity that suffered.

God hears our groanings and places Himself where He needs to be when He needs to be there. Of course He needs to be with us at all times so when we are desperately searching for Him we do not have to look very hard because He is already there. It is us that blocks Him out of the eyes of our heart, not He who disappears from us.

 Omnipotence Of God

This part continues the discussion of His presence but also describes His knowledge and power.
13 For you fashioned my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I thank you because I am awesomely made, wonderfully; your works are wonders --
I know this very well.15 My bones were not hidden from you when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.16 Your eyes could see me as an embryo,
but in your book all my days were already written; my days had been shaped
before any of them existed.17 God, how I prize your thoughts! How many of them there are!
18 If I count them, there are more than grains of sand; if I finish the count, I am still with you.

God created. Simply enough this tells us how deep His knowledge is of each and every one of us. He created Adam from the dust and clay of the ground then blew His Spirit into him so that He is part of us and lives in us. This section brings to mind Jeremiah 29:11 where He says,” For I know what plans I have in mind for you,’ says Adonai, ‘plans for well-being, not for bad things; so that you can have hope and a future.”. God’s creation did not stop after the six days but continues with each one of us. He provided us with the means of  human creation and takes what is given knitting it together to make two become one. This is one reason why He created man and woman. This is why we complete each other. This is why we are given into marriage. He designed us to continue His creative process. Sin has perverted that.

Although He uses each child born to accomplish certain things, not all are meant to be. Satan, the prince of this world, has placed his hand in creation and many that should be born are not. Some that should not be born (in our minds) are. It is a difficult thing to digest but all human life is precious because it is of God.

God’s power is seen in His creation and doubly so in us as we are to conduct ourselves in the way that God has instructed us through His Word. Keeping His Word in our hearts and minds give us the power to accomplish His work on earth.   

Requesting God to Remove Evil

19 God, if only you would kill off the wicked! Men of blood, get away from me!
20 They invoke your name for their crafty schemes; yes, your enemies misuse it.
21 Adonai, how I hate those who hate you! I feel such disgust with those who defy you!
22 I hate them with unlimited hatred! They have become my enemies too.

This part is rather difficult. God can speak things in and out of existence just by thinking about them. Throughout Scripture, God decides when to rid the world of certain people and places. When studying the words closely we see that it does not please God to order destruction but it is seen as a necessary means to an end for the plan to continue. It is a show of God’s power over Satan’s attempts to rule this world and overthrow God.

 Here, David seems to speaking of those who pretend to do things in His Name but they do it for their own gain. Then he talks of those who do not follow His ways and turn away from God. David’s hatred seems to go beyond what it should. Even in God’s benevolence, He does not destroy like He used to. He uses man as His agents who remove the evil ones from the earth.

God’s Grace and Mercy Guides Us Home

23 Examine me, God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts.
24 See if there is in me any hurtful way, and lead me along the eternal way.

This request is the penitent heart making a plea for forgiveness. We examine our hearts before entering His presence in prayer so that we can repent while praising Him. If we repent even for the smallest wrong that is in our hearts and minds, we can be forgiven. When we repent, we are recognizing our faults and confessing to God that we cannot save ourselves from the damnation that is the effect of sin. We give ourselves over to God and do our best to live the way He needs us to. Living the best Christ-like life we can will help us when the judgement comes. Since we are human we are subject to sin but if we try hard enough, pray long enough, have faith while placing our whole life in God’s hands, we have a great chance of being in God’s presence for eternity.

Brothers and Sisters, this Psalm is one that we should definitely keep on our hearts because it is the reminder that God is in charge of all things. It helps with defending our beliefs of God being the creator and benefactor of all things. It speaks of His presence; even when we do not want Him there, He is. It tells us that we are His because He created us and knows our path before we even take our first breath of air in this world. It speaks of His goodness and Grace.

This is a wonderful reminder of God and His participation in our lives. God is, was, and will always be there if you look hard enough you will feel Him. I ask that each of you do your best to stay in His presence so when the time comes you can see God.

Blessings,

In God’s Loving Embrace,

Rob, Servant of God