According to Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, God wants a personal relationship with us just like He had with Adam and Eve before the Fall. We are told that He gave us a guide that became Law as to how to get right with God and defeat the evil of sin. At the base of everything is Faith. Our faith in God is our trust and willingness to give everything over to Him no matter the suffering and pain that we may endure because of our Love for Him who Loves us unconditionally through His Grace and Mercy . It is by His Grace and Mercy that He sent us His Word made flesh in the body of Jesus Christ. The Word was spoken to those who would hear Him and it corrected the fallacy that man had created to make their own gain.
Some of the Sanhedrin turned back to God while others did not. Some of the people turned back to God while others continued to be blind to the truth by their own choosing. This is what we have today. Many are still blind and continue to live in their sins thinking that they will be fine in the next world (some even go as far as thinking, "if there is one I will take my chances"). The poor unfortunate soul that has no faith in anything but himself and the money amassed in this world. Being popular on earth may lead to being the most unpopular is the next world. Being the richest (monetarily) on earth will lead to being the poorest in heaven.
Recently some more popular and outspoken musicians have "turned back to God" in an attempt of redemption. The problem is that they are so popular and seen by the world it is almost impossible for personal redemption because of the boasting that has occurred. Be aware that it could be a front for the devil. Remember, the Bible says that there will be what seems to be changes in hearts only to be used by Satan for his will and not God's. 
Be ready, for the prophesy of Isaiah 17 and parts of Revelation seem to be coming true. Watch as Syria is overtaken by Turkey and if Damascus falls we are in trouble. As this is happening, the Jews are beginning to set up the building of the Third Temple. Animal Sacrifices have returned so be ready. We are getting closer to the end of the age. It could be years off still but things are falling into place. President Trump has pulled out of Syria allowing for the Turks to invade. It is written in the Bible that these things would happen. According to scholars and seers of dreams the United States is Ephraim. We have a roll but it is not good for the country unless we repent.   

Keep in the Word Brothers and Sisters. Do not fear or worry unless you have yet to truly repent. Do it now while the time is right. 

Rob, Servant of God   

Jesus warned us that in these times there will be many who come in His Name yet speak lies about Him and the Father. There have been many false prophets in the last 2000 years who have made the Jesus we follow today into the person He really isn’t. We have the Joyful Jesus who loves, we have a modern Jesus that is hidden within the New Age where He is known to have lived many lives from Adam to Noah, then with a few intermixed then Jesus. There are people who only worship Jesus and forget God without realizing that Jesus was the personification of God’s Word. Then there is Jesus the prophet who will return to restore God’s Kingdom. There are many others but most of them have a misunderstood view of Christ.

God warned the Hebrews about following a false prophet back in Deuteronomy:
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:1-4

Israel Followed Other gods
The people Israel had a problem. While they understood all the things that God required of them they fell victim to their sinful nature and worshiped Molech, Ba’al, Marduk, and other foreign gods. They also did what they thought was right in their own eyes when their hearts turned from God. The traditions and ceremonies with these gods were directly against the Law of God because of the rituals, sacrifices, and immoralities that they did to “appease” them. It took many years for the Israelites to return to God. Now we have the Jewish nation from the tribe of Judah with some Benjamin and Levi mixed in. The good thing is many from the other tribes are returning to Israel and turning to God.

Roman Leadership Changed The Way  
There are many things that the Romans did that changed the way we see Jesus today. Constantine tried to remove the Jewishness of Jesus which was easy for some aspects and difficult for others. When Christianity became the Imperial Religion, pagan rites and celebrations, were incorporated and the date of Jesus’ birth was changed to match the time of the  winter solstice. Somewhere along the line Ishtar became Easter. The Catholics call Peter the first Pope, he never desired to be venerated like that. Then there is the Paul problem. Yes Jesus turned his heart but all too often people trust the word of Paul over the Word of God.
Roman greed and the misinterpretation of tithing changed what is given to the church. In fact, the bishops used the church to collect taxes for the town and the Vatican. They created the heresy called indulgences that were payments for getting relatives out of Purgatory. Remember, common folk did not really read so they were not even allowed to get a Bible. They depended on the reading and interpretation of the local priest.  
Idolatry ran ramped as relics of the faith became means of worship. Everything from supposed pieces of the cross and nails to actual bones, even full corpses are worshiped and seen as providing miracles. God warned us about these things so we must be very deliberate in discernment. Remember, the Adversary and demons know all about God and will find ways to deceive. Jesus and the Apostles also warned us but many believe anyway.
 
Martin Luther Tried to Set Things Straight       
The Ninety-Five Theses were written as a corrective measure of the corruption that was occurring in the church regarding repentance, indulgences and purgatory. Forgiveness is only through the Grace and Mercy of God and mediated only through Jesus. It is the internal desire for repentance and removing of the sin from one’s own life that matters, not going to confession, revealing your sins to a priest and saying so many Hail Mary’s or other repentant phrase. Indulgences were a way for the church to gain money in order to release a soul from Purgatory. This took place of the Jewish tradition of praying for the dead during the period of mourning continuing through the year following the death.
Martin Luther understood that Catholicism was a controlling religion that kept people in the dark and threatened the very livelihood of those who believed. The whole sacrament of Communion is meant for all not just part of it as it was for a long time. Repentance is personal, no man can forgive sins completely in the place of God. These were things that Martin Luther wanted to debate and correct. He never was fully able to get the audience to correct these things. What happened was division and ideologies causing multiple denominations and changes in each area where Christianity was spread.    

From Luther to the Modern Age
Division did not stop with the main denominations but continues even through today with false doctrines developed from misinterpretations and “revelations” that people have had. It has gotten worse in the last 300 years. The divisions caused excommunications of whole people groups that started their own communes and branches. This is very dangerous because it will get to the point where no one can agree what is right, real, or fantasy.
We have one thing that helps and that is the Dead Sea Scrolls. This grouping of parchments and the Nag Hammadi codex’s writings help us understand the difference between what we know and what was known as truth. We must discern truth from fallacy of man, good from evil, moral from immoral, or we will not survive the coming war. Not only must we discern these things but also have true Repentance of the Heart, act upon the Great Commission, and live the best Christ like life we possibly can. It will not be our best life now because we will suffer but we will be more ready than the lukewarm Christians who think they got it.
Trust in the Father to give you guidance through the Holy Spirit of Truth. As Paul had said, “Put on the whole Armor of God daily”. Be watchful and do not stray. Love each other with the love of God not of man. Brothers and Sisters I care for your future in this world and the next. Remain strong in the arms of God.
In Christ,
Rob, Servant of the Father

 

The funny thing about being a human, just when you think you have most things working for yourself and others, life happens. Too many times we see people that believe they have it all together and the next day......crash. Murphy, Gremlins, and the ghost in the machine all arrive at once. That is a scary thing to have happen but this is mortality. Our plans are not always very successful nor does every plan fall into God's overall desire for our lives. It is something we have to deal with, sometimes daily, especially if your trust is not fully in God. 
There are people that think they control their own destinies can see failure and try to change to fit their needs and desires for success. These will never be happy because with each success comes many failures. They do not listen to anyone but their own mind.
Then you have those that think they need to meddle in business that is not theirs and recommend what they believe is the only way. Or they try to assist when it is not needed or welcome because they believe their way is best. These folks might have certain best interests at heart but cannot see when they are not needed and get upset when someone else succeeds.
As Christians, as believers in God, we place our faith, our trust, our very lives in His hands. At least that is what we are supposed to do. I know many Christians that fall into the people of the previous paragraphs and it is not pretty. When you work with someone described above, where is their heart. Are they looking for accolades and bonuses? Maybe some extra compensation? They are for themselves and not the team. And some call themselves Christian??????
Life happens to everyone because we are alive on this planet. What the differences is between people and Children of God is that we are not living for ourselves. When a change happens we have to accept it, adjust, and move forward all the while standing firm in faith. Give all praises, good things,  grievances, troubles, cares, and concerns to God and listen. That is literally all we really can do because that is what He wants us to do.
Brothers and Sisters, Do not get frustrated over the things that are out of our control because God has given that responsibility to someone else. If it is not meant for us to handle it at that time, there is always someone chosen to do it. God will have you step in if needed. Remember to ask for guidance and direction and God will provide. Of course He will do that whether we ask or not, especially if we are chosen for a task that He just drops on our plates. 
Be in prayer for us as we take on a task that will be challenging in many ways. We are possibly bringing a relative and her spouse to live with us as they try to get on their feet. 
In God's Loving Arms,
Through Christ,
Rob, Servant of God 

Sometimes when you sit and think about if your life is pleasing to God, all of the missteps come to light before the good. This is normal because our nature looks for the bad above looking at the good things in life. When that happens to me I either look or go outside and see the beauty of creation. I watch the trees move on windy days and think of His majestic power and how it helps us stand in the midst of trouble. I see the birds swooping and soaring and think of our needs being met. I see squirrels quickly moving through the trees and think of His protection. When I open the door and hear nature speaking I stand in awe of Him who gave me breath.
I watch my dog Lili and wonder what she is thinking as she runs free in the yard, rolling in the grass, and then sitting patiently observing her surroundings without bothering the birds, bunnies, squirrels, and frogs. Okay, she tries to smell the frogs then they quickly jump away. She does not chase them away but stands watch over her grounds.
What a great Father we have that provides many things that we cannot even see but appreciate when they appear. All to often we take the little things for granted but why do we do that? If strong faith can be as small as a mustard seed then how strong our faith could and should be while we go about our day.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. AMEN.
     

Do you struggle with a particular Sin? Are you stuck in a sin you just cannot break free from even though you believe that Jesus is the Messiah and gave His life to save us from our sinfulness. Can you be sure you actually have Christ in your life if you are still living in the sin you had repented from? The answer is simple, you cannot live in your sins and be in Christ. Jesus said, “No one can be slave to two masters; for he will either hate the first and love the second, or scorn the second and be loyal to the first. You can’t be a slave to both God and money (Mat. 6:24 CJB)” . You cannot serve God and remain in your sinful life.

For if we deliberately continue to sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but only the terrifying prospect of Judgment, of raging fire that will consume the enemies. Hebrews 10:26-27

Sin is Sin

There are many things that Scripture calls sin. To get this straight, sins are anything that is against God, His Word, and His Laws. There are some that He abhors and one that is unforgivable but sin is sin. Thy all lead to the same result. No matter the sin, the prescription for the cure is the same. Full repentance of all sins and turning to God. Giving up all things that keep you away from God and believing in Jesus. It is only through the sacrifice that God gave us that we are saved.

Nobody is perfect. We all sin. In this day and age the sins of man have fully taken hold of the world to the point that innocence is lost much earlier in life than ever before. People are turning away from the truth of God yet still claim to be Christian.   

I Can Be A Faithful Servant and Ignore God’s Law

The person who believes that statement is fully derailed by the Adversary and will surly die. How can you faithfully serve God while living in sin? You are only fooling yourself. If you live a life that ignores the Ten Commandments and the moral and ethical statutes that are contained in them, then you are not living for God you are living against Him.   

Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:28-29

If you give yourself over to God then you cannot continue in your sins of the flesh. You cannot continue to love the world and try to live for yourself. Even if you do help others, if you still have an ongoing sin in your heart you are fooling yourself. Once you repent of your sin and are baptized you must give up your previous life and live for God.

Jesus told the adulteress, “Go and sin no more”. Did He not do this after He saved her from death and she fell on His feet in full repentance? She gave up her life and followed Jesus from that point never to live that way again. So no, you cannot be a faithful servant and ignore God’s Law.

Jesus Is Holding You, Why Do You Let Go?

God has a plan and it includes you so why are you avoiding Him. We are given life everlasting through His free gift of Grace and Mercy but so many people just do not want to accept it. Too many people want to enjoy their current situation and do not care what happens when their bodies stop living.

The funny thing is that pretty much everybody has heard of God and Jesus and they know that there is a book called the Bible. Some have even used it to fuel their personal ambitions and have tried to ruin Jews and Christian by spitting the Word into their faces while they distort it to fit their selfish ways.

I said this recently but it fits here…The Bible has just about every answer we are looking for because everything in it points us to our creator and teaches us about life. It contains geology, biology, meteorology, astrology, math, history, physics, philosophy, health, sex ed., and more. It gives us a code of morals and ethics that are conducive to a world of peace. It even talks about certain vocations such as farming (both animal and gardens), construction, sailing, fishing, and many other facets making this world a better place to live in.    

If someone knows of God, why does that person not believe it could actually be true? Too often do people want to say that we live here because we do and there is nothing more. They do not see the miracle that is life itself.

With all this knowledge given, we can run the race and come out victorious but only if we are obedient to God’s will and plan. The Adversary will try to trick us every chance he gets but we must remain vigilant in our faith turning completely away from sin and start down the path that leads to the Kingdom. Until the day of Christ’s return there will be sin in the world. Repent and  place your faith in Him who saves us. God is with us Are you with Him?

May God’s Grace and Mercy shine upon you,

Rob, Servant of God  

Today is the day Israel celebrates Rosh Hashana or the New Year. This is the day of the creation of Adam and Eve. It started at nightfall on 29 Sept, 2019 and ends at night fall on the 30th. Around the world the Shofar was sounded to designate our life and the coronation of God our King. The Shofar is blown 100 times and celebrates God in His Almighty wonder. 
It is kind of disappointing that most Christian churches do not recognize or even notice the significance of today. When looking at the lunar calendar, God began creation 5 days ago (Lunar Hebrew date of 25 Elul). Nehemiah finished rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem on the same day. Remember, we are a part of a much greater thing than ourselves and we should know that the occurences in Genesis do have a lot to do with us.
Have a great evening and be blessed. Spend as much time with God as you can.
Rob, Servant of God   

The Bible has just about every answer we are looking for because everything in it points us to our creator and teaches us about life. It contains science, math, history, physics, philosophy, health, and sex ed. It gives us a code of morals and ethics that are conducive to a world of peace. It even talks about certain vocations such as agriculture, metallurgy, construction, music, sailing, fishing, and many other facets making this world a better place to live in.
So tell me again why people want to continually change it??
Why do people want to mold what is already a perfect model to their own liking when they are using rotten slimy clay that cannot hold together even with the strongest adhesive? What are we doing Brothers and Sisters to stop the madness that is happening?
The Catholic Church is falling apart at the seams due to corruption of millennia finally coming to light. Denominations are splitting and breaking down due to misunderstandings and misinterpreting what is spelled out in black and white.
The Confusion of language due to the Tower of Babel has never stopped. Why do you think that people need to hear things ten different ways or times before the light turns on? This is why we cannot get along.
Have faith, Brothers and Sisters, that Jesus will soon return to shine the light in our hearts brighter than before and we will have full communion with our Father Creator as it was before the Fall.
Have patience and wait as we cannot know the time even with all the signs in the heavens.
Listen close, do not turn away from God.
In His Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God

This is a quick item to ponder..... If Paul were alive today would he be able to break through and get people on the right track? That is actually  very hard yet easy question. Let's look at the situation today and see if old Paul could transform lives.

Millennial Generation
The Millennial Generation would be a challenge. Paul would be dealing with many entitled and me generation individuals who would run away like the rich young ruler did with Jesus. They do not want to ruled over because they feel if it does not help me, why do it. They also would have trouble giving up what they believe they believe they are entitled to. Still, many would be enticed by the promise of a better life than they currently have because of the current suffering status they find themselves in. So this group would be both sheep and goat.
Will he be persecuted? Yes. Suffer? Yes. Redeemed? Yes.

Worldly Fantasy Group
A tough group because they are more absorbed by the thins of the world and created their own idols to worship. They see God as a super hero and not the only God but one of many. They can be won over when they see they worship like the Greeks looking towards the altar to the unknown God. Still Paul might not survive unless he convinces the ones this people type look up to to worship God alone and give their lives to Christ.

Politicians
Here is a fun group. We are separated already between political parties. One party worships Molech and abides in hate while the other has both God fearers and those who are still on the fence. One group allows debauchery while the other shuns it. One forgives while the other is so hateful that all they have accomplished is making themselves to look the fool when trying to ruin someone else's life. The current majority in the House has not done anything good for the people and are more concerned with their own political aspirations leaving the current citizenry in the bottom of the barrel. 

Paul would have a hay day with this group. Just don't let him cross paths with certain Jezebels or he may have to call on Ezekiel and Elijah.

Celebrity
Another fun group where adulterous sex and abortions are common place because to some, kids and family are career killers and would just get in the way of their greed and desires. The debauchery is worse than Corinth. God help them if Paul set foot in Hollywood, there would either be many converts or Paul would end up tarred and feathered in the modern way.

New Age Evangelists 
Remember the movie, "The Last Temptation of Christ"? The person playing Paul told the people who were following Jesus who did not die on the cross, "That is not my savior". Paul knows that Jesus had to suffer in order for all mankind to be saved. We have an infectious group that preach a Jesus of love and best life now without the suffering. Well, without the suffering servant we would have nothing and still be slaves to sin. let that sink in for a minute.

Paul would have a reopened wound due to the thorn in his side growing bigger and would need to be on the same mission as Jesus correcting man's interpretation of the Word. Remember, Jesus came to us as the Word made flesh so that we would understand the Word and have the truth written on our hearts. The early Catholic Popes ruined all things by perverting the Word just as the Sanhedrin did. They changed the Sabbath, they required money over goods and services. They sought slavery over holy servitude. They required indulgences to do something they truly had no power over. Paul would probably be constantly in the Vatican prison for doing what Martin Luther did but on a grander scale.

Can We Be Like Paul
 Yes we can but we must face the world with God in our hearts and a clean set of clothes wherever we go. Can we depend on others for support? Only if the people supporting have the renewed heart like so many places did. Remember, Paul would not accept support from a community whose heart was not truly God fearing and Jesus following. We must be the same and teach the supporters truth from falsehoods.

Life is Good with God in our hearts and the ministry of the twelve and the others to guide our ways.

God Bless you and Keep you. Keep His Word on your heart and love other as God loves us.
In Christ,
Rob, Ebed (Servant) of God

There is a question that many do not really know they are asking themselves, “Who am I”. As a Christian, the answer should be, “I am a child of God and a member of the Body of Christ”. This should be the common answer but unfortunately many youth and some young adults cannot even look into their own hearts and see this truth. Some are too easily influenced by worldly things and rely solely on social media do discover themselves instead of learning who they are through physical interactions and spending time with God.

Social media keep people constantly inundated with questionnaires through Facebook and Twitter asking what celebrity, fictional character, house or alliance (ex. HP, GOT, SW), animal, etc. do they resemble. People that are influenced easily can become confused and eventually lose themselves and their true identity that God had chosen for them. Society works to confuse the minds so that truth is distorted and the identity given by God is changed to meet the devil’s gain. This even includes the questions of sexual preference and gender identity. 

What is Your Name?

A name is something given by the parents to the child. Our Father in Heaven speaks our names into their minds so that we are called as He calls us. In other words, our name is given by God. When people decide to change their name does that mean they want to hide from God? Some would say, yes. But you cannot hide from God. Our Father is not like other gods who do not see in the dark nor will not travel places. He sees everything and is everywhere. He sees in the hearts of those who try to change physically. You cannot escape God, His name is written in our DNA. We are His.

Some of my children’s friends have trouble remembering what their own given name is because they dwell in the escape of fantasy or are enticed by other cultures so much that they will not answer to the name given by their parents even when the parent is using the real name to get their attention. Call it selective hearing and lack of obedient listening all you want but in truth it is the trick of the Adversary to cause anger and confusion resulting in separating families.

I Just Want to be Liked

Some kids change their truths just to be liked by others who will eventually leave them anyway. If you can’t be your unchanged self to fit into a group, you do not need to be in that group. Don’t go chasing Amy over the cliff if you cannot stop yourself. Check yourself before doing something against better judgement.

Gang members have this thing of having prospective members do something they would not normally do just to be a part of a group. In a town close by the retreat we recently had three young boys get arrested for attempted murder due to a gang related incident. Those lives are now forfeit and will have a stain for life just because they wanted to belong and be accepted. Now they wear orange.

People Like Me When I Act This Way 

Are you who you are or are you pleasing others by being something you are not? Putting on an act gives people the wrong impression on who a person really is. Middle and High School aged children are under so many influences. These influences can cause a child to act a certain way to be liked. This can unfortunately lead to changes that are detrimental to the person later in life.

If someone believes that being a certain way is the only way to make friends then that person loses the truth of being. Being like someone you admire is one thing but it can get out of control. If you are a girl and act like a Kardashian, you may find yourself being victimized and thrown away. If a young man acts like certain sportsmen or player of women he may find himself in deep trouble that will affect the rest of his life. Being something you are not is very unhealthy both physically and spiritually. Be who you were brought up to be, who God needs you to be, not what society wants you to be.. 

False Realities

I have an issue with 20 somethings and older trying to hang on to their youth through dressing and acting like their favorite television or movie characters. If you are in that age category, act like it. As those individuals get older, the characters become more adult oriented which can lead to unwanted and disastrous attentions.

Some conventions have had so many issues they now have classes and warnings that focus on the dangers of dressing and acting certain ways. Policies have had to be put in place so deviants and predators have less chance in playing out their fantasies. Dress appropriately, some people bring their children and they do not need to be subjected to those adult oriented costumes.

Share Everything, Everybody Does It

No, they don’t. Social media controls many facets of life but it should not completely control our lives. The less we are on it, the better. I really do not care to see or hear about every aspect of people’s lives online unless you are immediate family and you are showing pictures of a recent vacation or important life event that I may have missed for whatever reason. Some people overshare and put themselves at risk. Some will share so much of their lives and have their phone number on their site so strangers can find them and not necessarily for good reasons.

God tells us to live our lives without the intrusion of others, especially strangers. He means we should keep to ourselves to avoid gossip and wrong impressions being told and seen. There is so much about ourselves that only God and our spouses need to know.

Children, imitation is the best form of flattery but that does not mean imitating what you see on the television, movies, or internet. Imitate behaviors of the people closest to you. Parents and close family, that means be on your best so that we will have better citizens growing up instead of this generation of people who do not know who they truly are. Remember the responsibility of Proverbs 22:6.

Brothers and Sisters, it is up to us to put the reigns on the youth and reel in the adults who are misleading our children. I know we cannot stop certain things but we can get the children to understand right ways of living from wrong ways. Keep an eye on what they see and an ear on what they hear. Teach them discernment. Doing so they may discover that they are Children of the God Most High and belong to Him.

May God’s loving compassion an discernment be bestowed on you with younger children in your family. May God’s Grace and Mercy shine on the older youth that they choose to live a right life. May God discipline the adults who betray our children’s and young adult’s trust that they may learn the error of their ways.

In God’s Loving Compassionate Arms, May His Grace and Mercy fill your heart,

Rob, Servant of God

When people become blinded to the truth, their judgement between right and wrong, safe and disastrous, constructive and destructive becomes even more clouded than before. The Old and New Testaments warned us of peoples viewpoints becoming so clouded that they will try and make good bad and bad good. They will look to pagan gods and false idols destroying everything people in the past worked so hard to make right. 

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. 2 Peter 3:3-4

We Are In Trouble

The United States government is in a bind because one political party has done nothing but try to override and remove the sitting president from office. No real benefits to the people have been put into action because some with influence and jealousy are putting personal agendas and vendettas above the good of the country. When a group of people have more heart for distant cousins rather than brothers, sisters, and the neighbor living on the same soil, they no longer are our leaders, they are our destroyers.

This latest batch of so called freshmen elected officials have scoffed at the Constitution, the Bible, and truth in human rights, caring less about the people in their own states while instead more about their own selfish selves. They are also attempting to legalize their sinfulness through man made laws that are placed over God’s Word and Law.

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. Jude 1:18-19

What is bad is that many can see the lack of common sense and have made it known to the world, yet the persons still continue making fools of themselves. These people cannot see the truth, have forgotten God, so God may forget us.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6

Blind Following the Blind

And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:10-15

The Adversary has sent the agents out to manipulate us. The Sheep are following the Bad Shepherd.

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

What a Fine Mess We Are In

This mess that we call those appointed over us to make decisions for us have failed to squash those who are trying to undermine others appointed above them. Apparently most forgot whom they actually work for. I must be honest and say that I have lost faith in the government and hope that eyes are opened before it is too late.

For many years we have sacrificed our children to Molech (willing abortion). We have let the temple prostitutes (celebrity and media) guide our way of thinking instead of relying on God. We have been given to immoral desires through pornography and sexual deviants. The priests ( some religious and government officials) are filling their own coffers with goods and services which should be helping those in need. Thankfully not all of the people mentioned in parenthesis are bad but the immoral majority has given all of them a bad rap.   

What Happens Next??

The good news is that our time is drawing to a close and the Messiah is returning soon. The work of the evil doers is coming to light and more are waking up to the truth. For those that are not waking up, they are so far gone that their lives will soon be forfeit. Those who care more for the flesh will turn to dust. God will sort us out.

Be aware of the wolf in sheep’s clothing. We still have many who scoff at God by perverting His Word. We still have pastors who preach living the best life now. We still have the “feel good Jesus” Christians that do not know joy comes from suffering and not materialistic rewards. These are being exposed.

Brothers and Sisters, take heed of the warnings of the Scripture as a whole. God’s Word, Command, Laws, and Salvation are written clearly. God’s Law is written on incorruptible stone, man’s additions are on perishable parchment. God’s Word is written in and on our hearts and can save us from damnation. Man’s law can cause damnation.

What is on the heart and mind is more damaging than any man made weapon. When God is not there, evil thoughts can rule the heart and cause us to sin. When God is in the forefront and encompasses the heart and mind, evil will not prevail. Sin starts in the corrupted heart and the actions of the person are the result. We cannot let the devil win.

Love one another with the Love of God, not man’s interpretation of it. Rejoice in suffering and let God have the worries of your heart. Get right with God so you are able to remove the blinders of your family and friends. Keep and Share the Love and Word of God.

Rob, Servant of God

Jesus wants us to commit fully to The Father by committing our lives to following the Way which He taught us to live. We, as humans often do, find an excuse not to do what it is that needs to be done. Rather we do things we want to do or we do nothing at all and waste away. Luke 9:57-62 tells us about two such persons who desires to follow but makes an excuse.

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62

Taking Care of Mortal Things Before Following Christ

How often do we make the excuse that before we go somewhere or do something we have to take care of something else first? Sometime the thing can wait. Sometimes it really does not need done. Sometimes it is someone else’s job and you just want to be there to see it completed. The last one is the case in this man’s excuse.

Jewish burials were a two-step process. The body first goes into a cave and lays dormant until all that is left is the bones. The bones are then put into an ossuary and reburied in a family crypt. In the case of the man burying his father, the body has already been placed in the tomb and is decomposing. He probably just finished the time of mourning and wished to see the burial all the way through. There were people whom today we would call morticians who took care of the second part.

So when Jesus says, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”, He was saying that the man’s time is done and stop delaying what is required of him. To follow Jesus, everything else that is in the world no longer matters. Turning to God in full devotion is to stop focusing on things of the world and placing the whole self in the Hands of God. 

 Don’t Look Back

Why do we look back at our past when we turn towards God? The longer we wait to put God first, the harder it is not to look back and give up our foolish ways. In the case of the man wanting to say goodbye to His family Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” One cannot keep looking back and still plow straight.

 He was not saying that the person would never see his family again. When we look back into what our lives were prior to knowing God, we have a tendency to miss our previous lives. What Jesus wanted the man to do was look ahead and focus on God so he would not stumble on the narrow path. Once ready, the man could return home to get his family and help them turn to God.

 The focus must be forward and not looking back. God does not want us to ask ourselves what might have been if I did this instead of that. If we focus on the might have been instead of where we are in God’s Hands, then we are easily influenced to falter. To proclaim the kingdom of God requires one’s full and urgent commitment. There is no place for what could be or might have in matters of the flesh when God is what matters most.

Our spiritual lives are more important in the grand scheme of thing than what we do in this life. How we are in our Spiritual life will help us maintain a healthier and more memorable physical life. If we focus on the physical, material life alone what reward is there for us in Heaven, we cannot have material things as a spiritual being. 

Brothers and Sisters, When we look back in Scripture and see the direction God desired for His people, we also see the guidance He gave. Following God’s Spiritual guidance in the mortal world is not that easy so God gave us a part of Himself which had already been on and in the earth but would now have physical form. God had a name for His Word that Saves us. He gave it to Isaiah, and to Mary and Joseph. The whole world knew of the God-man. We have Him in our hearts because that is where He needs to be. The Word is in us, all we have to do is listen and let the Holy Spirit guide us.

Turn Back to God and Give up your Foolish ways. There is no excuse not to.

Rob, Servant of God

Jesus the Hebrew is so much more than what we can comprehend. To learn more about our Savior we cannot just go by our translation but dig deeper through prayer and reading translations of the original language and discovering what was left out of our translations. For those that say the King James is their only source, you are really missing out because thy, thou and other words common to the era were not used when writing this in the original language. Replacing words with common vernacular actually remove the original meaning and intent.

Why is it important to know Hebrew? It is the language which was spoken to the people chosen by God after the separating of languages at the Tower of Babel. Was it the original language spoken by all? Of that we cannot be 100% certain. Some say that Sumerian Sanskrit is the first. It may have been the first written language from which all written comes from. That may be true as Abraham came from the land of Ur of Sumer. But Hebrew is the language that we must learn to become closer to God until He endows us with His truth.

Malach HaShem

Literally messenger of God, Malach are His angels that come with His Word (guidance and direction) meant for specific people at specific times. Scripture tells us that the Malach HaShem came to many in a form pleasing to the eyes. There were instances where God Himself came to speak.
Scripture talks about fire or smoke and voices that come out from them. These are instances of God delivering personal guidance because no human can physically look upon the true face of God and live. Another way we read of God specifically speaking was in dreams or directly into the mind and heart.

Our understanding of the Triune God is found in the God breathed Scripture and other writings from which the Old Testament is formed, but it was not stated in that way. Our understanding is that God had not yet released the Word fully into the world. Does this mean that who we would later know as Jesus was in motion during the Ancient times? Yes and no. It appears that God still desired a personal relationship but had to do so at a distance and personally unseen because of sin in the world.  

D’var HaShem

When God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, they took the third Commandment serious enough to not even speak the name of God. To avoid taking the Lord’s Name in vain they substituted His Name with HaShem. The Hebrew for Word is D’var and is found a lot in Scripture but not where the Angel of the Lord is said to have come down. Isaiah 55:11 talks about God sending His Word:

                                               so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
                                                                   it shall not return to me empty,
                                                    but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
                                                and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

God does things on His time for the purpose of guiding us in His direction. The Book of Joshua tells us that God wants us to remember His Word in our hearts in order to do things of and for Him with our hands. The Israelites had made physical reminders for studying and memorizing the Word. These items were worn and placed on the doors. The Word may have been memorized but many did not truly have it in their hearts as the guiding factor of their lives.    

God in the Flesh

Isiah 53 speaks of God’s direct Malach and D’var coming to the world and being rejected by the people Israel. What we understand today is that it is all part of the plan. The person whom we call Jesus was rejected by the very people He was sent to bring back to God. This appears to be a part of a bigger plan for us because our sins were taken upon Him so that God would be able to reestablish the personal link between Him and us. The D’var HaShem became flesh and returned to God in the original form in which we will become.

Brothers and Sisters,
I understand that some things may be a bit uncomfortable to learn but we have been told so many things through the mouths and hearts of man who departed from the will of God. We need to get back to the basics to learn the truth. Part of that is knowing that The one called Jesus has many names but the one name that is His is D’var HaShem. Above this is the Only name which we know as I Am.

Rob, Servant of God

There are many books, devotionals, studies, and sermons that cover the Jewishness of Jesus. This is all great and good but there is something that most miss. Jesus was not just a Jew from Galilee, He was the physical body that held the Word of God given to Adam and his family, then Noah on down through the ages to the Hebrews. The Hebrew Nation held on the Word of God the best they could and when God came down Himself in the form of Jesus, the Word spoken to the nation Israel was the exact words used by God to the Hebrews but made to be understood by the people of that time.               For the next few weeks we are going to just barely break the surface on Jesus in the Old Testament. Now some may already think that Jesus was the Angel of God which came down to many and delivered instruction or warnings, it was not really Jesus just yet but an embodiment of the Word still in the angelic form. At that time the flesh body was not needed so we cannot say it was Jesus.                God's angels were given tasks to move the people forward in His plan and bring people back to Him. The Word was carved in stone, written on tablets and scrolls. The problem was man's misinterpretations of God's meanings because man has always tried to make human physical sense of the Holy, Spiritual meaning and desires of God. This coming week we are going to look at the burial of the people and what Jesus means when He said, "Let the dead bury their own".                                 See you tomorrow,                                                                                                                                                                Rob, Servant of God

Have you turned your life over to Christ? Do you consider yourself reborn? How do you define that term? Like Nicodemus said, one cannot return to his/her mother’s womb and start over again. Personally I have trouble with this verse because Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin which means that he understood the Hebrew meaning of what Jesus had spoken. But then again, to understand why it is recorded that he made that statement we would have to understand the context. 
Lost in Translation The New Testament was written in Greek and Latin. The Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations misinterpreted much of the Hebrew and Aramaic which completely changed the meaning of many statements made by Christ. The most important mistranslation to me is the one we are addressing here.                                                                                                                                                                                   Hebrew 101
 
What if I told you that the original Hebrew actually translates to slightly different words which would change our understanding of being reborn. Jesus’ words, “yivvaled ish milma’ǝlah” are often translated as “born again”, however the word ma’alah in Hebrew means “above”. Jesus words were spoken in Aramaic and Hebrew. So what Jesus actually said to Nicodemus was one must be born from above.
The expression “reborn” is often found in Rabbinic literature. One of great significance is when describing Israel after receiving the Torah. They were born from above through choosing to turn back to God. When Gentiles would turn away from pagan gods to the God of Israel the final process was to go through waters cleansing known or mikveh. When he emerged out of the water, he was considered as being ‘reborn’, or ‘born from above’. The person chose to turn to God and His Word, following His ways and His Commandments.

Are You Born Again or Born From Above
The difference between being born again and born from above is actually very significant in a person’s life. To be born again in worldly terms means a change in attitude, lifestyle, and characteristics that are not of God. These can be very damaging when the choice leads to physically unhealthy and spiritually sinful ways. The choice to live in the world and be of the world is exactly what Satan wants us to do. Being born again may sound enticing to some because it means living your best life now. The problem is the inability to let go and once physical death occurs so does spiritual death.

Being born from above means that you may suffer ridicule, and pain in this world. But the up side is this… Communing with those who are part of the Body of Christ, following His ways and living by the Commandments makes it possible to have eternal life because you choose to trust and have faith in God. This means you have made the choice to live a Christ-like life giving of oneself without the need to receive material accolades and putting others above yourself.

Which sounds more appealing, dying twice or the chance to being a part of something greater than yourself? The choice is yours, as for me and my family, we choose Christ.

In the Loving Arms of God,

 Rob, His servant

What would you do if your house was on fire, your spouse and child are trapped inside and you only have enough time to go in and save one. What do you do? This is the toughest decision that some have had to make. If you were the spouse in the house what would you decide? Nine out of ten would save the child because the love of the spouse in the fire would tell the other to let him/her go.

John 15:13 states, “Greater Love hath no man than he who would give his life for his friends”. There are many ways to look at this passage. The most obvious one is the cryptic way He was letting the Disciples know that He was about to be crucified. But this has many other meanings that we should understand.

This single verse is my life verse which I will explain why shortly. There is more to this passage than just giving of one’s self. Let’s look at the passage this comes from:

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:10-17

The Lesson   

The Disciples, according to Scripture and tradition were a little confused at first. They were serving Jesus by ensuring all needs were met. To Jesus, these men were the future who would lead others to the faith and follow God’s Word, not man’s perversions of it. These men would be the ones who would live a Christ like life the best they could and be the example to others.
Jesus did not want to be served but helped the Disciples learned what it meant to serve others without the need or desire for recognition or rewards. To this manner and the fact that their relationship grew, Jesus called them friend and brother. God’s Love is at the center of all this as the greatest act of love is sacrifice.

What do we get from this? God’s Love means to be able to sacrifice of yourself in any circumstance that requires it without question or desire for award. It is because of His sacrifice that we go into the darkness of the world and share what we have gained through the Grace, Love, and Mercy of God. We were servants of the world and sin as they had the greatest hold on us, but through Christ we are redeemed.    

What is Sacrifice?

Sacrifice is defined by Merriam/Webster as: the destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else; also, the act of offering to a deity something precious. The ultimate sacrifice was God’s giving of His Son as a sacrifice for all mankind. It is the final sacrifice needed for the redemption from sin and death. We all die physically but this death is the death of the soul. Because of the sacrifice we are saved from eternal damnation.

Sacrifice in our present life does not only mean we have to physically die. When we give up something precious to us we are sacrificing the need and desire for that item because someone needs it more. Giving up things that we have in abundance is just sharing of the wealth we are provided. It is not that we have need or will miss it, it is because we have plenty. That is not sacrifice, but sharing.

Sacrifice is giving of the last dollar when we do not get paid for another week. We will do without until we can move forward. Sacrifice is giving up your favorite material thing. Sacrifice is giving of your time for someone else’s needs when you are required to be elsewhere.

Why is This My Life Verse

I am a humble servant of my Lord and Savior Jesus. My life is not my own but belongs to God. When I was in the military, my life was signed over to the defense and protection of the country. This meant that my death certificate was already made just missing the date, time and means of death. Jesus’ death certificate was already complete even before He was born. I became a willing sacrifice in the defense of the land I hold dear. I became a willing sacrifice for the safety and security of my family and friends. I became a willing sacrifice to defend my brothers and sisters in arms even at the cost of my own life.

This has become my way of life. Not desiring or needing anything but working towards the safety, security, and comfort of my family, friends, and strangers. I would give my life for any of you reading this if that is what it took for you to continue living.
  
What Does This Mean

Are you willing to sacrifice. Our lives are to be a living sacrifice to God. Giving up worldly things to serve only the will of God. Now in this day and age it is difficult to sacrifice everything because of the requirements of life and the ruling body appointed over us. It is possible to live as God desires us to through our acts of kindness, suffering for others, giving of ourselves so that others may succeed. Will you sacrifice everything for your human brother or sister? I know I would.

Blessings to You,

In GOD’S Love, Grace, and Mercy,

Rob, Servant of Father God

Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter,
​School has begun or is about to begin at all levels of education. It is a time for discernment and understanding right from wrong. It is a time where faith will be tested and temptations will be all around. The elementary schools in some states in America have done all they can to remove all vestiges of Christian thinking and are trying to destroy the country by indoctrinating rebellious thoughts,  while some states have boosted Christian thinking and patriotism. Some have boosted security and the presence of role models while others are letting dangerous individuals walk right in.

The good news is that our Christian brothers and sisters have had enough of the attempted indoctrination of our youth by sexual deviants and Islamic religious practices. The process of returning schools back to the roots of public education will take some time but it will take all of us to encourage change. Christian parents, we need to remind all people of Proverbs 22:6 and what Paul stated in Corinthians and Ephesians about raising of children and how we are to act and react around them. The children are our future but if we teach them bad habits and that wrong is right or okay then we are lost.

​College students, please do not forget your Christian roots. There will be testing of your beliefs and challenges to your character. Do not give in to the temptations, stay in your studies but most of all, Keep the Word on your heart and in your mind. Remember your words and actions are to be a reflection of God.

​Watch the roads. We do have some crazy drivers and some of them drive the school busses with our children on them. Remember, if a bus is stopped....then stop. Do not go around them we lost too many children to senseless, hurried individuals who do not care about the safety of others.

​In conclusion, be safe, remember the teachings, show our children right is right and wrong is wrong. Build them up to be examples of Christ to others.

In Christ,
​Rob, Servant of God    

While looking at the statistics for the website I ran across one of the searches that brought a person to the page. The question had to do with Ecclesiastes 9:17. For more context we have to look at the passage this verse comes from:

 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siege works against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.  Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

The Least Can Save A Town

The person who speaks with common sense wisdom when faced with adversity can save many. The small voice who speaks and is barely heard usually has the right idea that moves someone who heard it to take action. In the passage before verse 17 the wise man is a poor person, probably a beggar who sees all the goings on in the city. When the person speaks on how to save the town, it is seen as something that will not work until it is a last resort action.

Common Sense

The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. The man of wisdom speaks in a calm manner that shows Godly wisdom and basic common sense. The ruler who shouts commands is usually one who only cares about personal conquests and uses the blind (not literal) followers who praise the ruler accept his orders as a way to live even though it might cause pain and death. People who need someone to tell them what to do all the time are good for the power hungry leaders.

This sounds way too familiar when looking at society today. There are people in power that shout, are inconsistent with their ways, or are single minded who seek only to make themselves look good. We know it as a political circus. Public speakers who make claims while shouting at the audience can misspeak, misquote, and or really do not know what they are saying and yet people believe every word because the person is well liked. The calm speaker who gives reference to other people, places, things, and other writings are listened to with open ears and eyes.

When discerning what you hear, if your mind is not clouded then you see what is truly common sense. There are people who promise the world even though they know they cannot deliver on their promises. Going back to verse 17 mentioned above, you should ask, “Who is the more foolish, the leader or the followers?”

Clear Thinking Wins the Day

Thinking clearly can defeat an army but one person who is filled with a desire for conquest can destroy a nation. How quickly and easily some people fall for the trappings of a person who rises from being a nobody to power in one way or another only to let it go to his or her head and speaks without properly thinking things through and lying in an attempt to remove another. How often do the thoughtless conquer the masses and lead people down ungodly paths. That has been America for quite some time until recently. We still have people that are trying to destroy America and the world with false teachings and promoting sickness over right nature.

The only way to get ourselves back on track with God is to unseat those in power who have replaced good with evil. Who think more for their own objectives rather than the people who entrusted them with leadership. This goes for all levels of leadership even the smallest.

Brothers and Sisters, is it better to listen to a person who writes many books or stay with the Holy Word of God? Those who write and publish are eventually given into their own way of thinking which is not always God’s way. That is how many false doctrines are created.

Practice prayerful discernment in everything and you will see the quiet wise person speak volumes. Keep the Word on your heart and you will hear right from wrong. Do not follow a yeller, listen to the one who speaks to the good of your heart. I hope that makes clearer the question mentioned above

In God’s loving arms through His Love, Grace, and Mercy,

Rob, Servant of God

What happens when you put your total trust in God. There is a change that takes place inside you that moves the human nature to desire a better outlook focusing on others rather than the self. There is an overwhelming need to ensure that others are taken care of. This is what we were designed for, being caretakers of creation.

For a long time in the ancient world, human nature had a survivalist attitude that ended up in the deaths of others. Vengeance and retaliation were commonplace. The choice of taking another’s life, possessions, and family is not what God wants for us. That shows a lack of concern for the welfare of others and is ultimately a dangerous path for ourselves. Jesus explained this during His Sermon on the Mount.  

“You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to stand up against someone who does you wrong. On the contrary, if someone hits you on the right cheek, let him hit you on the left cheek too! If someone wants to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well! And if a soldier forces you to carry his pack for one mile, carry it for two! When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something from you, lend it to him.

 “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Love your neighbor — and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Then you will become children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike. What reward do you get if you love only those who love you? Why, even tax-collectors do that! And if you are friendly only to your friends, are you doing anything out of the ordinary? Even the Gentiles do that! Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.  Matthew 5:38-48

But I Want to Hit Back

The problem with today’s society is that many of us would be hospitalized if we took the first section literally. We have to understand this from a spiritual point of view as well as physical. This is a different type of a “stand your ground” attitude that is difficult for some to comprehend. The phrase, “take it like a man” comes to mind, or “not stooping to their level”. When someone tries to show superiority through (non-weapon) violence or material demands, they are trying to heal pains of their own (a bully type attitude). There are other ways to heal through love and kindness of heart.

Spiritually this also goes with the words we speak. Words can hurt more than physical altercations. Jesus had talked about what we put into our bodies and comes out of the mouth. What we observe and how we are influenced are not always good, moral, and ethical things. When these influences take us over, we are bound to say hurtful things. We must have good judgement in our speech and not let the world influence our thinking.  

How can we move forward as the Body of Christ if the limbs keep falling away due to succumbing to unhealthy and sinful behaviors? Our defense for these influences is found Scripture we speak which comes from the heart where the Holy Spirit guides us. If we use anger and frustration with loud vocals then are we not just as bad as the one who caused us to behave that way? Also, for all generations: Don’t just gather in a circle and watch someone get beat up. Take charge of the situation by getting the one who started it out of the equation or stand in front of the one being bullied. There is greater power in numbers and spirit than a fist.

When confronted, the person obviously thinks he or she needs something of yours more than you. We are not to love material things that are temporary. God will provide you with what you gave in a much better way as long as you trust in His Word, Mercy, and Grace. In all this we are to be examples of God’s Love, Grace, and Mercy by being His light in this world.

I Really Hate This Person 

First off we must understand that there are two types of hate. There is rational and irrational hatred. There is the hate that may denote intense hostility, sustained ill will often accompanied by malice. This kind of hate could become a consuming emotion that seeks to bring harm to the object of such hate. The other is a strong dislike but without any intent to bring harm.

Biblically, hate is a descriptive of levels of love. We are to love one another but our love for God should outweigh our selfish desires to put family above God. As followers of Christ we are to First seek the Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). By loving God above all things it is easier to build deeper relationships with family and friends. Jesus tells us to love our enemies but not as much as our family and twice or more less than our love and devotion to God.

Are we allowed to hate? Good question. The Psalmist gives this advice, O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked Psalm 97:10. This verse tells us to dislike circumstances and persons that are or can cause evil things to happen. This dislike is shown in our avoidance of such events or persons. We are told not to make a brother stumble nor be around another who may make you stumble. The more we avoid evil things we persevere and are preserved by God.

 Strength From Weakness

Jesus taught this particular lesson to remind us that we should fully trust and depend on God for the provisions for survival and guidance through all situations of life. We show strength and courage through standing firm and our acts of kindness. The stronger person is not always the one who shows force. The stronger person does not react negatively in response to someone else’s negative actions or words. Suffer for just a little while but do not let the person get under your skin. I know it is hard but in the scheme of things, the individual may turn around when he or she sees the goodness of God shining through you. Remember, the choices we make are determining factors in our life after we leave this world.

I know it isn’t easy and our human nature wants to lash out but don’t. Seek the peaceful way of handling things. There may still be stress but there will be relaxing later. In truth, we are spiritual beings just here for a temporary time to learn about life. Choose your battles wisely and do not fall victim to aggravation. That leads to anger and sin when left unchecked.

In God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace,

Rob, Servant of God

There has been something running through my mind for most of the day. This world on which we live, from which we were created, does not belong to us. As long as humanity has walked the earth, we have used the resources created by God to survive all types of weather, attacks, and progress to what we are today. But it still does not belong to us.

Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: . Jeremiah 33:2

Every year we hear about mass shootings, stabbings, bombings, well ok, senseless killing of another human being. When will people figure out that we are all the same. We have the same biology, We are made in two different genders, many ethnicities due to climate, have many languages but we are only one race, the human race. One blueprint, one set of characteristics, one set of values, morals, and ethics.

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth.”  Genesis 1:26

Notice God did not say dominion over each other. Throughout the centuries we have suffered ethnic cleansing, genocide, murdering of another ethnic group because we did not understand them, slavery due to greed (own ethnic group selling one of their own for profit) and ethnic superiority complexes.  
So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Scripture does not stop there with His majesty. We are not the only creatures with living souls.
And to every wild animal, bird in the air and creature crawling on the earth, in which there is a living soul, I am giving as food every kind of green plant.” And that is how it was. Genesis 1:30

We have abused our fellow creations through misunderstanding our place. We are caretakers of this planet and we have failed. There are some who have chosen a path of destruction and that has marred all of us. How are we going to correct this??? We can’t. We honestly do not have the spiritual and physical capacity within us to make the world right. Only God can do that.

God gave us instruction on how to live a good life in harmony with the world and we cannot even get that right. Our nature after the choice to disobey God has been one of an ungrateful child who thought he/she can handle life without the Father’s help. We fail, God saves. God sent His only Son the Embodiment of the Holy Word, the Voice of God, God Incarnate. We call Him Jesus. 2000 years ago He taught the Chosen people how to get back into having a personal relationship with God. Some listened, others denied Him and had Him crucified on the Execution Stake or Roman Cross. His arms spread wide to hold the earth as His blood hit the ground and made creation clean. No human can do that, only God.

This world does not belong to us. It belongs to God who created it. We are here temporarily until our spirits are called home to completely be in union with God in the Kingdom of Heaven. The only way to go to the correct home is to believe in Jesus as Son of God, the Sacrifice given by God to save us from life in darkness, separated from God. We need to follow Christ and try to live a Christ-like life in the best way we can. Will we suffer? Yes. Will it be worth it? Yes.

How can we do the right thing and get others to do the same? That is the hard part. Even though God gave us the tools, some still are afraid to talk to others, to share the Kingdom of God with their small part of the world. Seek God, ask, and He will provide the means to gain the strength and courage to speak loudly about God and the work of Jesus in our lives. God’s Grace has been given freely, don’t waste it.

Brothers and Sisters, pray that we can share the Word to the world so that the Kingdom of God is truly all over the earth. We are the temple, we are the Body of Christ. We can bring the Kingdom so it will be built here.

Love to all through Christ,

 Rob, Servant of God Almighty, Creator, Father, Savior, Friend

The Adversary, Satan, Lucifer, Great Deceiver, the Devil; these are just some of the names given to the deliverer of falsehoods that cause many to fall into temptations that lead to sin, become depressed, even suicidal. This spirit whispers suggestive lies that cause people to do evil things and things that are against God’s Creation. Satan’s battles against God uses us as fodder, for we are the victim of his lies.

The Deceiver

Oh how he loves to trick us into believing the lies he tells. He has made man pervert the Word of God especially these last 150 years. His agents are everywhere and some do not even realize they are doing wrong. 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6

The false doctrines taught by many evangelists teach about living for now and material things are good. These are also the ones that talk mainly works because they have forgotten about the Grace and Mercy of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. But it does not stop with the curving of the Word. The Devil seeks to destroy us from within. He reaches into the heart and deceives the mind.

And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. Matthew 24:4-5

Lies That Destroy Our Minds

Two things can happen when we are at our lowest and we let our guard down. The first and best thing is that God will lift you up if you have trusted in Him. The second and not so good thing is that Satan will place thoughts in your head that poison the heart making you believe that you are no good to anyone, you are worthless, you cannot be forgiven, and that God cannot help you.

The Devil loves to try and destroy families through temptations, arguments, violent tendencies, addictions, and many other means. God has the defense against all of these and we find it in His Word. 

These are just some of the ways that Satan likes to use to trick us into placing our trust elsewhere or just giving up on life. But guess what…he is wrong. We are the children of a God that loves us, protects us, calls us priceless, and forgives us. And we know the end of the story, God wins.
   
You Are Special

Every one of us is special in God’s eyes. He formed us, has a plan for us, Loves us unquestionably and unconditionally. David knew this and praised God for His Love through creating us with this Psalm:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16

Though we might not always feel special, we are. Do not believe the Devil’s lies. We are unique. Our design has God’s DNA written within. We are priceless, saved by Grace, made in His Image. We are…You are Loved!!! 

In God’s Loving Arms,

Rob, Servant of God

Brothers and Sisters, when we hear the parables we are sympathetic to who we assume is the main characters who lost something or is the son who was lost. This is normal but today I want to look at another character, the lost son’s brother. He never left his father’s side but he was lost in the heart.

"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" Luke 15:25-32

Faithful But The Heart is Weak in Spirit 


The brother seems a bit jealous don’t you think? There are Christians out there who see others get blessings that they think are not deserving of them. These are the ones who do not rejoice over someone else’s positive spiritual experience because they were there and did not receive the same. They cannot rejoice when sinners are saved, because they feel threatened. The Weak Spiritual Heart folks know God and are saved but are jealous of others whose blessings they believe should be their own.
  
Another type is the religious one who has never truly been saved. There is a difference between being religious and being a Christian. You could be a good, moral person, even attend services regularly and faithfully but never have really put your whole faith in Jesus.
When we first learn of the brother he was working in the field doing what his father told him to do. Being the older brother, he holds the position of first born which means when the father dies he receives two-thirds of his father’s possessions. Since the younger son already received his part, everything belongs to the older son. This means he will also be the head of house, he is blessed. Somehow though it does not seem like enough.

An Example For the Pharisees  

When Jesus was telling this parable he directed a lot to how the Pharisees view themselves and how God sees them. The character who best describes the Pharisees in the case is the son in question. They are the privileged and faithful servants of God. The problem was this: they were lost and undone in sin and the Lord knew it! They kept the letter of the Law outwardly, but in their hearts, they longed for sin!

The Pharisees were very religious and knew of the Messiah’s coming but they could not recognize that Jesus was who they were waiting for. Their hearts were hardened so that the plan for salvation could be accomplished. Some did see the light such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, but the rest were still blind. Doing so they accomplished what was written in Isiah 53:3:  He was despised and rejected[ by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  

Are You The Older Brother?

Just as Jesus could look into the heart of the Pharisee and see his lost condition, He can look within your heart and see that you are lost too. All the older brother wanted to do is live it up like the other boy did! But, He can’t, so he gets mad that one who did the very things he wants to do in his heart has been received by the father. You see, you can fool all of us, but you cannot fool Him. You might be good, moral and active in your church and still be lost. Your outward attitudes and actions are a mirror into your heart. What does your heart say about you? You watch people who can only attack others, criticize them and place blame on everyone but themselves. That kind of person has real spiritual issues!

In truth, religion does not equal salvation. Being close to the things of God does not equal being saved by the grace of God. The father praised the elder son for his efforts, and reminded him that everything was already his! In effect, this father was saying, “I value you and our relationship together more than I value your works.” This boy could have enjoyed fellowship with the father anytime he wanted, but he was too wrapped up within his own legalism and narrow-mindedness to realize it. This boy wanted what the father had, but he did not want the father, and he did not want anyone else to have the father either. Religion can make a person just desire works. A personal, trusting relationship with God has more value than any religious deed.

Attending a church does not make you a Christian any more than climbing a tree make you a squirrel, nor does sleeping in a garage makes you a car. You must not depend on who you are or what you have done for your salvation. Works do not save you, salvation comes from the free gift of Grace and full faith in Jesus Christ does.

Brothers and Sisters, examine yourself spiritually. If you find your heart is like the older brother, ask God for forgiveness and repent today. Come home and the Father will embrace you. Seek the relationship the Holy Spirit calls you to.

In God’s Mercy and Grace,

Rob, Servant of God

In Ecclesiastes, the writer discusses many things of the world including wisdom itself only to conclude that it is all vanity, or temporary and worldly things that cannot be taken into the next life. Though he speaks of there being a time for everything under the sun that is just it, under the mortal sun which will pass away.
As God’s creation, we should be able to realize what is right and proper to be doing with our time while remembering that our time is borrowed. Many in this world make the most of it by living of the world only to lose everything material and gain nothing of the Spirit.  When someone gains much in the world and cares only for what pleases the individual all the while forgetting his/her origins and their faith, the person becomes lost in self-indulgence.

Let us read what Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 says about “The Vanity of Self-Indulgence” 

I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

 Self-Indulgence is defined as: indulging one's own desires, passions, whims, etc., especially without restraint. There are many who are well known that suffer from this. Some have found themselves in deep water. Some are going to find themselves totally lost. All the money in the world cannot make one happy. Buying things that give temporary joy will break and get tossed away. Without restraint, many have indulged in sexual experimentation that will only lead to a false happiness, pain, and suffering without knowing true love. Some have taken a hard fall but have found the strength to rise while dropping out of the lime-light.

The problem of self-indulgence is a dangerous path to tread brothers and sisters. As good as it may feel, what use is it when you can no longer enjoy it yourself. Granted some would love to leave an inheritance for their children where they basically want for nothing but what happens when it runs dry or the skeletons of your past catch up with them. Even the smallest silver spoon cannot feed for very long. Though you may accomplish one thing that may help others, if you dabble in self-indulgences you will be more remembered for the bad things you did in life.

Reading through this passage, Solomon talks about the many accomplishments in his life and how he boasted of the riches that God had provided him. All of this is good until it is realized that it all really means nothing when death knocks. These gains turned to loss and trouble pursued his descendants.   

Do not indulge in the earthly pleasures gained through work Use them so that others may see God’s grace as you use the spiritual gifts to help others in their time of need. Jesus will take care of you as you have taken care of others. Feed others who hunger, give drink to those who thirst, and cloth those who are naked.

Brothers and sisters, take heed in the Words of Ecclesiastes as it speaks of the dangers of worldly pleasures and our iniquities. Look towards the Father to find the narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Pools of water dry up, trees and plants may wither away, the flesh fails but God’s Word remains. All other things are vanity, and there is nothing gained under the sun.
 
In God’s Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God

There is something very special about the Psalms. The writers of these words reached down into their souls and sang to the Lord their praises to Him as well as their troubles. The ones written by David tell the story of David’s faith, fall, and return. David wrote of God’s Grace, Mercy, and compassion when soothing the soul of King Saul. Psalm 30 sings to us a thankful spirit and a prayer for help in troubled times.

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face;
  I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
“What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth
 and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Oh how glorious is this Psalm that sings of the saving Grace that God gives freely. He brings us from the depths of our darkness and restores us to His Kingdom. Though He may be disappointed in us when we sin, like a Father He chastises then showers us with His Mercy. When we cry out to Him with a true heart, desiring of His help, He is there to lead us home. In our suffering He brings joy. He wraps us with His arms of Grace. Rise Halleluiahs to the Lord God Almighty and Glorify His Name.

In The Father’s Loving Arms,

Rob, Servant of God

This day and age has so many human and material influences that we forgot our original purpose for our existence. In Genesis we are given specifics on our mission. We are to be fruitful, multiply, and be caretakers of all things on, above, and below the earth. That includes each other. Also, we are to utilize the resources but not to the point of destruction. We have not even followed the basic commands of the first two books.

Made In His Image  

What does this mean that we are made in His Image? It is not the physical attributes that we are speaking of because no one has seen the true form of God. Instead, we are given the spiritual attributes that make up the characteristics, values, morals, and ethics to which He holds us to. He set the very first standard of completion relationships being of man and woman. We are separate but equal in the fact that it takes one of each biological gender to procreate and make a new person. That is how we are fruitful and multiply. Children are the future, If we keep killing children, there will be no future us.

We are given moral values that keep us from causing harm to another but we failed there too. This is both physical and mental. Some people have developed a state of mind that causes them to kill another. Some want control and will do anything to get it. When people control the basic material needs, the mental state becomes dependent on those who control them. Some attack the morals through sexual deviance, indoctrinating people into believing all physical sexual desires outside of one male and one female are good and healthy. How many have died from disease or suicide because of this? Too many.

God makes us who we are. His very name is written in our DNA. Every cell, every particle, every atom is unique to each of us. When man begins to meddle in God’s handiwork, bad things can happen.  

Worldly Influences Kill Relationships   

When God created us, He had a personal relationship with Him. Adam and Eve walked with God until Eve misspoke and the serpent manipulated her into eating of the tree. From that point there were few that walked with God in relational manner. The Bible mentions a few faithful men and women with whom God showed Himself through physical manifestations. Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Job, Samson’s Mother, Elijah, Ezekiel, Daniel and his friends, are just the tip of the iceberg in the Old Testament.

When Jesus was to come on the scene, God presented Himself through His angels to Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph. Once God’s Word became Incarnate through Jesus, the whole Middle Eastern world could see Him. Through Jesus, God opened the door for personal relationships once again but it didn’t last long. The devil took hold of some men and influenced the world to the point of near destruction.

The worldly influences today come in all shapes and sizes. The devil has such a hold on this world that it is hard to distinguish right thinking from wrong unless you are deep in the Book and Keeping the Word on you heart. These influences reach into our mental states and cause temptation, These temptations, especially the ones that turn to sin are spiritual and physical relationship killers. On one hand you could lose your family, job, and way of life. On the other, you could lose your soul and never see or feel the light of God again.   

Do You Live In Fantasy or Reality

The fantastical worlds that are products of some imaginations really can get out of control when they become a lifestyle. Those who know everything about a particular character can take things so far as to believing the fantasy is reality. When all you can talk about is a comic, book, movie, or television/radio show, the fact is that you have neglected God. When fantasy becomes your idol, you are lost to God. I have seen this first hand through some who cosplay so much that they cannot remember their true selves. This is very dangerous and has led to many unhealthy and ungodly acts.
Society has become overly influenced by things not of God that we forget who God has made us to be.

Face Book has opened the opportunity for some to find out what fictional character they most resemble. You can look at this two ways: Find out what traits or gifts you might possess; or start living a life like the character because you want to be more like him or her. Looking at these they are directed mostly to young impressionable children to young adults. This is very wrong.  

We live in a time where the rule of Ba’al has returned. Child killings, pedophilia, incest, and other sexual tendencies (the Acronym), have become normal. If you do not agree then maybe you need to reread Exodus and Leviticus, then refresh your mind and heart in the gospel. These temptations and sins are rampant in the influencers of society and our youth are considering their actions and activities as okay to model after. We know better so start putting your foot down. Fortunately we have people in authoritative offices that are trying to get us back on track.

Social Media Killed the Conversation   

If you want to reach out to anyone, find them on Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, and Messenger. There are other apps that are out there that cause temptation and allow sinful behaviors as the norm. What that has done is made people rely on the electronic medium take over simply being truly face to face. Though it does allow to find out how Aunt Bertha is doing 5,000 miles away in Saskatchewan, people will text another who is across from them in a booth rather than looking at the person and using vocal words. Relationships suffer from electronic overuse.

We are meant to be relational beings. With advances in technology, relationships through physical  means has become a thing of the past. Personal relationships have faltered and we are not who we are meant to be.   

So, Who Are You?

By now I hope you realize that you are a child of the Living God. Made in the Glorious Image of the Divine. He gave us a group of fruits, bread, and drink to nourish us. He is the only one who can save us and bring us to our true home. His Hands molded us, He knows our hearts and can do so many things in our lives if we  let Him. He is our Guide, our Father, our Mother, our friend, our Comfort, our Joy, our Judge, our Jury. God is the one who makes the final decision on how we spend eternity. What we do on earth helps dictate our future with or without God.  He knows our purpose and gives us the gifts we need to produce the results from our purpose. To God is all Glory, Honor and Power, if you try to take the credit all the time, God may have something for you.

If you are not there but want to be, do you desire to know more about the saving Grace which is extended to us through the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah. We can help then through follow-up and searching, help you find a group of like-minded believers in your area.

Jesus is Lord

Halleluiah

Rob, Servant of God