Does God have a sense of humor or what? Look at me!

A few weeks ago I found a Church I would like to attend. I called them and asked about the dress code because I only have 2 pairs of jeans and tee shirts. Of course they said, “Come-as-you-are.”

Yesterday while I was on the bus I decided to attend and I called to make reservations for the Church van to pick me up.

I had a long day ending up with a cab ride home but that is a different story. As this story goes, at home when I attempted to take my belt off I pulled the belt buckle off. Now I can’t keep my pants up. That’s not funny (I thought) I reasoned that I don’t think the Lord wants me to come as I am after all.

Now all I have to do is cancel my reservation, buy a decent Church outfit on next Tuesday, and make reservations for another Sunday pick up.

Does God have a sense of humor or what? Look at me! Yeah, but the joke’s on me. I feel like God’s Jester. That is the most dangerous job you can ever have serving God. If the court jester fails to make the king laugh he could kill him. How much more so can the King of kings.

Was that a set up by God so He once again gets a kick out of me? Whew, I glad He thought it was funny.

The van driver was suppose call me after 4 pm on Friday or on Saturday. I did not hear from him Friday or Saturday. Okay, I am freaking out now and that is not funny. I am trying to do the right thing and I am having extreme difficulty.  I haven't been to Church in a long time and I am living in another state as well. So whats going on?

 

a) My belt buckle broke

b) I have not heard from the Church van driver

c) The Church may not want me to come even as I am

All of sudden I received a message on my cell phone but I did not receive a call that corresponded to the message. Hmm curiously I checked my messages. There were about four messages and one of them was the Church van driver so I called him.

He let me know what time in the morning he would arrive. So I told him my dilemma. I said I pulled my belt buckle off and I can’t keep my pants up. I did not say I don’t think God wants me to go to Church. I just thought about that now.

He insisted they wanted to pick me up anyway. He assured me someone will buy a belt so I can keep my pants up. I said wow! Now that is a blessing! However, the belt was too small for me. Now that's funny. I struggled to use the first hole. It worked for Church this Sunday. Do you think it's funny yet? I still have to buy a belt that fits.

On payday I bought a belt that fits. On another day I asked the local bus driver if there was a Big and Tall men’s store on his route. I am one size above where I usally shop. 

 

Between the bus driver and some passengers they directed me to one. I have enjoyed public transportation for years. I am not thinking about buying a car for a variety of reasons. Boy, that was shirt was expensive! I did't know if I should laugh or cry. There was a pretty young lady serving me so I just said wow. It's expensive. She smiled.

So I bought a casual shirt and belt I could wear to Church. I finally had what I thought was a descent outfit I could wear to Church. However I have not been back to that same Church since.

I found another Church with van service and I attended a Sunday service there instead. Now I have two Churches I can attend. If I don’t go to any of them very often they won’t expect me to give a tithe or an offering. I can’t afford to. Baby needs a new pair of shoes. And I can go to Church without feeling pressured about giving them any money. I can just sit back and enjoy the service and the people.

At the first Church I did not attend the next Sunday because it was the pastor's wife’s birthday. The next Sunday was Mothers day so I did not attend that service also. The Church I wanted to attend a second time and I told my friends. But then it dawned on me the next Sunday was Fathers day.

 

When the Church called me on Saturday I told them I don’t want to attend Sunday after all but the next Sunday. I am not thrilled about Church traditions anymore. All my children have grown up and have their own families. I will feel out of place.

I talked to a guy who said he had children too and that is why he is going to work on Fathers day. It is rough on Dads and step Dads these days. I guess if you adopt the children are glad to be out of the orphange so the act right. The parents might return them.

 

Selah.

I figure Church has got to be free for somebody. As much as I paid into it, it might as well be me.

Besides, I pay so much into my ministry and I never received an offering. I minister at no cost to anybody but myself. I think that is good enough for me to make offerings to myself and to do my own ministering.

At the beginning local Church services I think pastors or bishops should say, “If you have to pay for your own ministry you don’t have to give an offering,” so I can relax.

I am expecting any day men will give into my bosom, pressed down, shaken together and running over because I am a giver. So what I have been waiting over 30 years already. I hope I keep some instead of giving it all away. I am probably the only pastor people expect to give offerings to them. Sometimes I don't having any money to give anybody. 

Some people can be tricky, some people can be quite insistent, and some people can be darn right belligerent about it about me giving them my money! When I ask them to pay me back or give me some money or loan me some money as they say, alas, they never have any money or they just spent it on a car or some other expensive item.

Why don’t they think about helping me? So what if I have a fixed income. So what I receive Social Security Disability. I’m afraid of what the government says and I’m afraid what my family says about my only income. That’s not funny. O well, I just trust in the Lord to supply of my needs and other people through me.

A buddy said I have a dollar sign ($) on my forehead. Man I wish had dollar signs ($’s) in my bank account. So what I have been waiting 30 years already. I may just give it away anyway. However not to a Church anymore I have my own ministry and people to support.

I don’t want a salaried position in a Church. I am retired and I don’t want to be chained to a Church like I was chained to a desk at work. I am still chained to my computer though but:

a) I don’t have to answer to anyone b) I don't get an annual performance report
c) I work the hours I want or have to work

Performance reports are generally tied with how well the company is doing not your performance. They have to stay in the black.

a) I am independent
b) I am self motivated
c) I can create a job or ministry
d) I choose something I don't have to compete with anyone
e) I like my freedom.

Also, I don’t want to pay somebody else to do ministry for me because I am too busy working for someone else to do it myself. I skip the middle man.

Someone in the Bible asked Jesus when they ministered to Him. Jesus answered, every time you did things yourself and ministered to others you ministered to me. They said wow Jesus! I was not working anyway. Jesus answered, “Yes you were. You were working for me!”

So many people have been downsized today. Even college grads can not find jobs. College does not prepare them for the current work force. Are they working for Jesus?

Well I can’t afford to work for Jesus. Unless I work for a local congregation I won’t get a salary. I beg to differ. I got downsized from my profession in 1991. I finished Bible College and Chaplain School (C.P.E) in 1993. I also attended university. I have been in ministry since 1980 across the country. Whatever wages God pays me is more than enough. I don’t ask anyone for money and no one volunteers to give me money.

The Lord provides all I need according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. So what He uses my disability payments and my pension? Does God have a sense of humor or what? Look at me.

 

Forgiveness of sin

Know without a shadow of a

 

Doubt

That all your sins have been

 

Forgiven you

All your present and future

 

Sins have been forgiven you

And Jesus remembers them

 

No more

 

 

For we He ushered in a

 

New covenant when He died

He took away the first

That He may establish the second

 

 

This man offered one sacrifice

For sins forever

What does the temptation of sin

Have to offer?
 

What is sin?

How can the devil tempt you with

Sin?

When sin is not rewarded or

Punished?

Sin has lost its value or appeal

 

  

You do not have to sneak around
 

Trying to get away with something
 

Thinking some time later

You have Seek forgiveness

From God

 

We have so great a salvation
 

Because the worshippers once
 

Purged have no more conscience

Of sins
 

Having our hearts sprinkled from an

Evil conscience

 

Death where is your sting?
 

We have eternal life
  

We have forgiveness of sin
 

All of our sins and iniquities
 

God will remember no more

Hebrews (KJV)

Chaplain Winston Tobias Muldrew: The Phoenix

 

Image from www.tarrdaniel.com

My life is like the mythological bird the Phoenix as portrayed in Christianity. After a period of time I build a nest and set myself ablaze. Out of the ashes a new creature emerges, a Phoenix created by God. Having helped all I could I soar to see who has prospered, those who are continuing in their dysfunction behavior patterns, and I begin again.

I have found that some people just can’t be helped and still seek my further assistance. I have moved on to higher heights and can no longer help them. I seek for new opportunities and those who have progressed as well. During my life I have sought for or returned to my nest several times to begin this process afresh. I hope to pull those behind me to higher heights by spiritual means having fed them the word of God and sustenance.

I have been doing this for years stimulated by opportunities that present themselves and are unavoidable. Many doors close behind me and yet new doors become open that I must walk through. There is too much work to do to become stagnant. Stagnant water becomes polluted and diseased but the river of life flows with much nourishment, living waters from above, life more abundantly.

From one life change to another the process has become less painful and sometimes more painful. Even so, the benefits derived thereof are so great. God has provided the strength I need to endure till the end in which I am saved again. I know not where or who I must wait for. The leading of the Holy Spirit is my only guide as He equips me for the tasks forthcoming.

I have no fear for Jesus is always near. I don’t see His footsteps with my fleshly eyes but I know where they are and follow them to where He leads. I hear the voice of the angels and those who oppose me. I know there are angels round and about me, ministering spirits, and a flame of fire. They encamp around me. They lift me up lest I dash my foot upon a stone. They keep me from stumbling and learn of me. Such as they can provide the assistance I need personally.

I am not led by the flesh but by the Spirit of the Lord. The voices of the enemy bring envy, jealousy, strife and lies, and emotional distress, familiar spirits they are or not familiar. Yet the angles of God they do comfort me and chase them away.

AskyB Helps Ministries

The BE-Attitudes

Why are the BE-Attitudes Important to Me

Relying on the King James Version of the Bible

Preface

I like to say I have lived several lives in my lifetime. I was born in 1953. I have fond memories of homelessness from the middle 90’s. That was when I became rich, nothing to own, but I had Jesus. I remember that experience as if were yesterday. Living that lifestyle left a lasting impression on my life and changed my life. I will never be the same person again. It was a humbling experience for me.

My wife divorced me after my mother died of colon cancer.  I no lived longer in our five year old, four bedroom two story house. I no longer had my Full size Bronco, Trans Am, and Corvette after my mother died of colon cancer. I was downsized. I had become an ex-white collar computer professional walking the streets, looking for shelter from the rain and cold, night after night.

This was one of many BE-Attitude years, the 9^th BE-Attitude. What else could happen? Three months later I met my second wife and her two daughters. I was fully vested after nine years at Big Oil. I gave my two weeks notice effective January 1, 1991 and walked out with a check for $20,000 a stock investment.

Now I am homeless. I felt I was fallen, lost my mercy, grace, and credibility. I had become a mere mortal being. I became subject to every man and woman. They had no idea the lifestyle I had lived, had no understanding of my job, and did not care.

Little did I know I was preparing for Public Ministry when I attended Bay Cities Bible College in Oakland California? I graduated in 1983. I did not attend Bible College for ministry but for entirely selfish reasons. I needed to understand people and I just wanted to know the King James Bible for myself!

Being armed with only my faith, and a degree I headed out with God directing my path. Oh, my pastors a husband and wife gave me $25. She smiled saying, “This is my ministry and said I was an ordained minister after I graduated.” A Presbyterian pastor asked me if I was and Urban Missionary and had I visited his Church. So that’s what I am and yes and I had visited his Church. He said we need them here not overseas. They fed me too at no cost. The Bible College I graduated from did not receive any local Church financial support for over ninety years. I never raised an offering for myself.

At different locations we could get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There were so many homeless people in Oakland California at that time. Many were educated and had good jobs at one time. It was like a party when we walked the streets, networked, and helped each other. Some became employed again. After our stint of homelessness we all just disappeared.

Most places, we had to attend the worship service before we sat down to eat. The worship services were excellent and like none other!  

You see homeless people do not profess to be part of the prosperity movement that is the predominant teaching in many local congregations. Their credit scores are too low for God to bless them with a new car or home. They don’t have a job to make the monthly payments required.

So you have to preach what the Bible actually says about riches. It is not materialism or hedonism.  It is the BE-Attitudes. What a joy to hear real preaching and to be fed after the service without cost.

Jesus spoke of a day to the righteous. He said you fed me when I was hungry when you fed the least of these, and welcomed them into heavenly places. The 5,000 that hungered for Jesus’ word stayed all day to hear him preach, and. They were filled with the word of God, filled with spiritual joy and gladness. That was what it felt like. Some good preaching and we were fed at no cost.

I found myself speaking before the homeless. There were quite a few of them waiting patiently for the evening meal. Standing in front of the congregation I told them that the beatitudes of Matthew chapter 5 were talking about us!  Here in lays my exhaustive study of the Bible to find out all it says about the beatitudes.

Now, the BE-attitudes

Verses 1 through 12 in the book of Matthew chapter 5 are often referred to as the beatitudes which mean a state of utmost bliss. The beatitudes are declarations made in the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus. The word “beautify” means to make one supremely happy and to declare to have obtained or attained the blessedness of heaven.

This like many definitions is an over generalization so you need to meditate on the beatitudes. You need to read the whole Bible for perspective and context as Scripture agrees with Scripture. There is a lot being said about the beatitudes. When I fully examined the beatitudes I found that they describe an attitude we have that is rewarded with a blessing. The beatitudes describe how we are as the children of God.

One thing I noticed is that the word “are” in the beatitudes is in italics. That means that the translators added this word, for clarity sake? I substituted the word “Be” for “Are” to emphasize the “Be” plus the Attitudes. The passages have the “Be” followed by a certain Attitude: the beatitudes. Both the words are and Be have the same synonym which is the word Exists. So these attitudes exist, should, or will exist in Gods children through the perfecting work of the Holy Spirit.

I searched the entire King James Version of the Bible for every verse with the key words in each BE-Attitude. The Bible defines, speaks for itself, and tells what the beatitudes mean. This method of study proved to me the KJV Bible is true to its translation. Throughout 10,000 years there are no contradictions.

1) The first Be-attitude mentioned is to be poor in spirit.

The reward is the kingdom of God. Blessed is he or she!

We need to recognize that we need to be filled with the Spirit of God daily in order to do His will and His way. If we ask God for it He will not say no. To walk in and be led by the Spirit of God is to be in His kingdom, and others can’t for they don’t understand the Spirit of God. The power of God must be in you. In the book of Acts some said we have not even heard of this Holy Spirit as we were baptized in John’s baptism only. They then desired it and were so filled.

2) The second Be-attitude is to mourn. The reward is that you will be comforted. Blessed is he or she.

This is a mourning that is brought upon you by the Spirit of God. Its cause is often inexplicable and has a different feel about it than oppression. You are moved to do and say things that are inexplicable. You are a comfort to others that are mourning. In turn you will receive the comfort that others have been comforted with.

3) The third Be-Attitude is to be meek. The reward is that you will inherit the earth. Blessed is he or she.

A meek person knows that the LORD God is in charge and in control. A meek person will submit to God at the least of His provocation. If God say’s jump, a meek person will say how high LORD. Or better yet, jump and then ask was that high enough. A meek person is a soldier for the LORD. He operates with power. Meekness means power.

King David was a meek valiant warrior prophet. He talked to God. 

Paul asked this of the Corinthian Church. Should he come to them with a rod, or in love, or in the spirit of meekness which is power?  

4) The fourth Be-Attitude is to hunger and thirst after righteousness. The reward is that you will be filled. Blessed is he or she.

God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. David thirsted after God, like a hart pants after water, like the dry earth thirsts for water, like being in a land with no water. In like manner Jesus met the Samaritan women at the well midday. He told her that the water He has to give she will never thirst again, but out her belly will flow rivers of living waters. She said, “I thirst.”

Israel was filled after they hungered and thirsted for their daily sustenance. And God provided manna for their hunger from heaven six days a week, and enough for the seventh which was the Sabbath on the sixth day. He provided water for their thirst that flowed from a rock when Moses smote it with his rod. Isaiah said as a prophet of God, Ho, every one that thirsteth come to the waters.

5) The fifth Be-Attitude is to be merciful. The reward is you will obtain mercy. Blessed is he or she.

To be merciful is to show kindness or compassion, to not seek justice, to extend help, to be kindhearted, to be generous, and to have a broad understanding of others. Jesus said to be merciful as your Father is merciful. He said we are called the children of the Highest because we are kind to those who are unthankful and evil.

Proverbs says a merciful person does good to their own soul, but one that is cruel troubles their own flesh. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows us how to be merciful and instructs us to be so. According to Micah the prophet mercy is one of the things God knows is good and is required of us. We are to love mercy.

To obtain mercy takes time and effort on our part. We are to spend that time and effort being merciful to others. The mercy you give to others is rewarded with the mercies you need. Even the more so it is a way to give to others fulfilling their needs. If we give it will be given unto us pressed down, shaken together, and running over will men/women give unto our bosom. That means it is returned so abundantly that if it were in a container it would be packed as tight as it can be, plus running over the top. This is what we will receive from others when we need it. And the mercies you receive may or may not come from those you have shown mercy.

O, if only our mercy could be as great as God’s. His mercy is everlasting. His mercy is higher than the heavens. His mercy is so low on the ground we can walk in mercy. It is by His mercy that we are not consumed. At one time we were a people without mercy now we have obtained mercy from God.

6) The sixth Be-Attitude is to be pure in heart. The reward is they shall see God. Blessed is he or she.

Pure implies innocence and absence of temptation. This can only come about by the infilling and control of the Holy Spirit. It is not as if we take control of our own impulses and actions. If that were the case we would give in to them as we desired, as one having a choice. But when the Holy Spirit governs our impulses and actions we can only respond as He directs us.

But Scripture speaks to us in a fashion as if we do have control. Perhaps we have to at least make an attempt at it to show where our heart lies. God tested Abraham heart when God ask Abraham to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice unto the LORD. Even tough Isaac was the promised seed of Israel to Jesus. Sarah gave Abraham her handmaiden to bear him a son, Ishmael, then conceived Isaac.

Sarah told Abraham Ishmael he was not of the promised seed. Abraham asked of God and she was right. He sent Ishmael and his mom away. Through out all of scripture there is the important role of woman verses the role of man. God sees men and women are not the same. God will tell women what He won’t reveal to man. Isaac was wrong about Esau and Jacob. God told Rebecca that Jacob will receive the birth right and not Esau. Was she a prophet? Prophets can converse with God.

Now, were Sarah and Abraham out of the will of God? Were Rebecca and Isaac out of the will of God? Esau married into Ishmael instead of Israel. Look how rich in oil and land Ishmael seed has become.  But look at how seed of Abraham has suffered persecution before the promised seed Jesus, and after Jesus His Church. Each of the brothers are the sons of Abraham are suffering persecution and death by their own hands and the hands of others. I ask you, should our country or anyone be involved in their sibling rivalry?

Abraham, the father of faith knew he was coming back with his son and told his people. Isaac was not the sacrifice and when God stayed his hand God provided the real sacrifice. Abraham believed God would provide one. Such should our attitude be as we do what God instructs us to do to become pure at heart.

God tells us that everyone should purify themselves as Jesus is pure. We are to stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance, to purify ourselves by obeying the truth through the Spirit, to purify ourselves by hearing and hearing of the word of God spoken in the Scriptures. That way we will have a love that is not contrived but comes from God, and with this love we can love one another with our hearts, that have been made pure. With a pure heart we will love one another with sincerity and steadiness of emotional warmth.

The wisdom that we receive from God is pure and makes us pure. To those who have been made pure all is pure. We are to follow righteousness, faith, peace, charity, with others that call on the LORD out of a pure heart. We are to think on things that are pure and we are to be an example of the believers in purity. David said of it, “Who shall ascend unto the hill of the LORD? “Him that has clean hands and a pure heart.”

7) The seventh Be-Attitude is to be a peacemaker. The reward is they shall be called the children of God. Blessed is he or she.

A peacemaker is one who makes peace by reconciling the differences between parties. Or one who brings peace to another who may be in turmoil. In order to be a peacemaker you need wisdom from above to be peaceable. Pray that the LORD fills you with peace.

The fruit of a righteous man or woman is to be sown into another’s life in peace, by those who are peacemakers. The chastisement of the LORD brings forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness. If a peacemaker says to another peace be upon you, and does not give them what they need, what does it profit them?  Let peace proceed you with everyone. Beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace. We wear the full armor of God thereby we are prepared to share the gospel of peace. We walk in peace because we wear peace upon our feet as shoes. Follow after the things that make for peace.

To be spiritually minded is to have peace. We are to love peace. We should seek peace wherever the LORD sends us. Pray to the LORD for it and we will find peace there. To the counselors of peace there is joy. We are admonished to be at peace among ourselves. We are to endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Live in peace and the LORD of love and peace will be with you.

When your spirit moves, you can speak peace, you can come in peace, you will be received in peace, and room will be made for your spiritual gifts. When the LORD sends you to battle His enemy’s, speak peace first. Peacemakers are sent. If that house be worthy let your peace come upon it. If you are not received nor your words heard, when you depart shake the dust off your feet. Jesus said of them to the seventy disciples He sent one-by-one, if their peace is not returned it will be worse for them than Sodom and Gomorrah on the last day. When you come peaceably people may still tremble.

The bottom line is, if it be at all possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with everyone. Avenge not yourselves but hold your peace. Vengeance is mine. I will repay, says the LORD. Therefore feed, and give drink even to your enemy. For when you do so you will reap coals of fire on his head. And when they bring evil upon you, do not try to overcome them with evil, but overcome evil with good. Be a peacemaker and love your neighbor as you love yourself, for the sake of our Father which art in heaven.

8) The eighth Be-Attitude is to accept persecution for righteousness sake. The reward is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed is he or she.

When Paul was persecuted he just suffered it. He said that the LORD delivered him out of all his persecutions. All that love God and live godly will suffer persecution. Persecution will not separate us from the love of Christ. Sometimes we are persecuted and scattered. And we end up preaching the word of God somewhere we thought not. Those that are persecuted, having received the word of God, become fruitful. Not deceived by the riches of the world which can choke the word.

When persecution comes for the words sake we are not offended. Satan cannot take away the word sown in our hearts. Have patience and faith in your persecutions that we all may glory in them. Our persecutions are a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God that we might be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which we suffer.

When we are persecuted, the power of Christ rests upon us for it is better, if the will of God be so that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. Fear none of these things which thou shall suffer. For what glory is it when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if ye do well and suffer for it ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

Moses chose to accept affliction with the people of God rather than the pleasures of sin in Pharaoh’s house. Be not terrified of your adversaries which to them is an evident token of perdition, but to us salvation, and that of God. If we be afflicted, it is for someone else’s consolation and salvation. Suffer all things so not to hinder the gospel of Christ. The Spirit itself bereth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be glorified together.

9) And finally, the ninth Be-Attitude is to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when people revile against you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for Christ sake. Blessed is he or she. Your reward, although not specifically mentioned is great in heaven.

You are being persecuted just as the prophets that came before you. That is truly an honor. Anytime the enemy is against you, then you truly know you must be doing something for the LORD. Boy does the enemy hate that. So he comes against us to try and discourage us from continuing in the things of the LORD. But instead, rejoice, for this is a confirmation that God is for you, using you, and with you always.

The multiple things that come against you in this last beatitude is fitting. This Be-Attitude is like what happens during the grand finale at a Fourth-of-July fireworks display. Certain fireworks that have been set aside for just this moment are set off in rapped succession. For us it is not a beautiful display of brilliance, but an attack by the enemy turned loose upon us. You might have an experience like Job. God let Satan have his way to him to prove his righteousness.

Imagine Satan was allowed to do anything to Job to try and discourage him and turn his back on God. With only one condition, Satan was not to end Jobs suffering by killing him. Needless to say Job passed his test and God sent Nathan the Prophet to tell what sin Job was guilty. God is fully justified for His actions. To be sure, righteousness does not mean you are without sin. That takes the blood of Christ.

But be of good courage and cheer. God has overcome the world and Satan has been defeated. Rejoice and be exceeding glad when people abuse you. When people revile against you they make fierce abusive verbal attacks using insulting and abusive language. We are not to respond in like manner. We have been sanctified, set apart, as seen by our witness.

Paul was reviled against and in return he blessed. We are to bless and curse not. When Jesus was reviled against he did not revile back. The Angels do not revile against but say Satan the Lord rebukes you. When reviled against pray for their salvation or God to remove them from your presence. Revilers will not enter the kingdom of God.

Paul had a better way and knowledge of Scripture after receiving the Holy Spirit. Now, Paul’s understanding of Scripture was a threat to their religion, like Jesus. That is the beginning of ministry and many sorrows. Don’t be afraid of those who revile against you. God has certain judgment against those that revile against the people of the Lord of Hosts.

Paul asked who is weak and I am not weak? Who is offended and I burn not? If he must needs glory he glories of the things which concern his infirmities. If you find the need to boast, boast of your sufferings for Christ sake not your own, for to God be the glory forever Amen. Paul exemplified what the children of God must suffer as Christ did. I like Paul, he is a real Christian.

They did not like Jesus.  They do not like Jesus today. They plotted to kill Jesus. They are still trying to kill Jesus today.
They bore false witness against Jesus. They bare false witness against Jesus today. He was too holy and only holy people only like holiness.

Oh but the evil thoughts and intentions of man that they would come against the Lord of host , the children of God, and that they would come against anyone. A cry is heard like it is a banner of the Angel of death, “Let us just kill, steal, and destroy them and let God sort it out.”

The children of God often suffer the lies, half truths, and twisting of the facts from some people, just to suit their own evil purposes. They suffer this persecution by people who don’t even know them. They don’t look at your years of obedience, of self sacrifice and of servitude. The law is in favor of them with an uneven scale of justice. The law looks at one circumstance in your entire life that someone falsely accuses you of doing.

Firstly, you are incarcerated and secondly you now have to prove you are innocent of any wrong doing. If you are found innocent there is no crime for bearing false witness. There is no legal way that they can be discouraged from being false witness again. Secondly, there is no restitution for the time spent in prison. There is no restitution for the humiliation and embarrassment you faced by the police and the court system. There is no restitution for the slander and attempts at destroying your good reputation. They call that justice.

We are over comers as others see when we live and not die except at the appointed time.  We are over comers by the word of our testimony and the blood of the lamb. That is what it is meant when the old spiritual says, “Deep in my heart, I do believe, that we shall overcome some day.” The enemy hates our testimony because he has failed. He hates our prophecy because he failed. Satan can’t defeat us no matter who is sent as an adversary as a tormentor. 

Having the promise of the life that now is and is to come we labor and suffer reproach. Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ with Gods people, greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, because of the recompense of the reward. Jesus took the reproaches that fell on us and let them fall on him instead.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he is spoken evil of, but on your part he is glorified.

As a cloud of witnesses before them some had trials of cruel mocking. They even mocked them that were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The chief priests mocked Jesus when he was on the cross as if he couldn’t come down if he wanted too. I wouldn’t be surprised if they really did want him to in order to cause him to fail at his purpose. Satan already tried to cause Jesus to fail at his purpose. Satan tried to tempt Him three times after Jesus fasted for 40 days. That kind of nonsense did not work with Jesus and it won’t work with us. Jesus just sent him away.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad when people persecute you.

Take pleasure when you are persecuted, for when we are weak we are strong. If you leave all and follow Christ you will receive a hundred fold now in this time, with persecution, and eternal life in the world to come.

Be exceedingly joyful in all of your tribulations. God comforts us in our tribulations and we are to comfort others with the same comfort we have received. Other saints glory in you when you are persecuted. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian let them not be ashamed, but glorify God on this behalf. If we suffer we will also reign with Him. The Apostles were beaten and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus and they departed rejoicing.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad when people say all manner of evil against you falsely for Christ sake. Have a good conscience for they speak evil of you because they are evil doers, that they may be ashamed when they falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better that the will of God be done and you suffer for well doing than for doing evil. For this is thank worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

So rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Rejoice for we will be in the presence of Christ at His coming. Rejoice in hope. Rejoice with them that do rejoice. Rejoice in the truth. We can rejoice because we hear the bridegroom’s voice and take joy. We can rejoice as we walk in truth. Rejoice in the word of God. Rejoice that our names are written in the Lambs book of life. Rejoice when the Lord shows his mercy upon us and others.

My spirit rejoices in the LORD when he regardeth’s me in my lowly state. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Christ who we have not seen yet we love. And having not seen yet believes we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Let the person of low degree rejoice in that they are exhalted.

Rejoice evermore. Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord and have no confidence in the flesh. Jesus said for now you have sorrow because he is not here but he will see us again, and our hearts shall rejoice, and our joy no one will be able to take away. We need to rejoice and praise God for all the mighty works we have seen. He has given us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Let your light so shine before all, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The End Times ?

LIGHTNING,

          THUNDER,

                  EARTHQUAKES...

A third of the stars fall from the sky. God who sits high and mighty on His throne in heaven gave the order. Michael the Arc Angel led the troops into battle. Cast from heaven they are all on Earth, which is now their dwelling place. Sin was found in their leader. All of his followers were in rebellion against God almighty. Planted in the battle field, placed on earth is mankind created and dwells there too. The third heaven for some of us and hell for others. These are the fallen Angels and Satan once called Lucifer. Lost forever is his name and his place in heaven. Who can hope to survive in this terrible environment.

They talk to me all the time. Telling me negative things. I know now these thoughts are not my own. The mind is the battle field. The enemies of God want to reign on this planet. And the only way to control man is through his mind. Take control of the mind and mastery of the body will follow. They try to discourage me. They tell me the things I ought not to do. I know better though. Sometimes I don't know if what I do is right or wrong. I have to fight my own battle in my head. I know I'm forgiven. Jesus took care of that, but I can't forget my past. Only God can forget. All my sins have been cast into the sea of forgetfulness. I spend time in Gods word. My only refuge.

There is no quality time for study. I must do it all the time. There are no time outs in the study of Gods word. Sometimes as the battle rages in me and around me, I have to rely on the word that is buried in my heart. No time to find the book of righteousness. Warring makes study difficult at times. That is why I must study all the time to be ready for the next battle. There is a time for study, and there is a time for warfare.

Lord have mercy on me I pray. Deliver me from this torment. I have begun to discern the things of the Spirit. The thoughts that come into my mind I try to divide from my own. Some thoughts I know I would not think of by exercise. By taking time out to sort through the many thoughts going through my head. I go to that secret place and listen. Then I think a thought. Yes, that one is mine. No, that one is not. Do I hear

from the Lord and the angels that minister to me ?

There are times I hear encouragement. I feel comforted. I meditate on what I have read in Gods word. I even do sermons in my head. Oh how I wish I could share these sermons with others, but time passes and there is no one to hear them. I can't even remember them the way I developed them in my head. Great sermons I think ! Maybe they are just for me. Perhaps during these trials my spirit prepares them just for me, and they come to my conscious mind.

Who is the greatest preacher in the world today ? I am. We all need to feel that way. No one can preach the gospel like I can. No one has gone through the things I have. No one is going through the things I'm going through today. God has prepared me, and each of us to deliver the gospel to the world. The most effective way is one on one. Pulpit ministries are good, but for the most part people come there prepared to hear the gospel.

We have to bring church to the streets. To those who are waiting for God to come to them instead. For what ever reason. You have to prove yourself before they are ready

to listen to you. They also have the opportunity to question everything you say and confront you at any time. There are

many times opportunities present themselves. Perhaps these battles are turned into opportunities to prepare myself for a one on one encounter. When they present themselves I am ready.

Is there a balm to ease my aching mind ? A soothing cool ointment ? Jesus is a balm in Gilead and with him is a host of Angels, the other two thirds who did not fall. They come to minister to me and others. There is a war in the heavens. A constant battle for our soul salvation. Cast down from heaven the fallen Angels are our foes. Led by Satan

                   

Once called Lucifer. He wants to Kill, steal and destroy our mortal bodies. He wants us to join him in the Lake of Fire. He wants to use us, this planet and all its inhabitants. He wants to be like God. That is his problem. There is only one God, King of kings, Lord of all. Over all dominion's, principalities, and powers in heaven and earth. He allows Satan to continue. But to Satan's dismay God is magnified and exhalted throughout the land in God's children, who are a witness to his grace and power, and by his other angels who stand fast.

Even the Angels who were spared God's wrath marvel at man. How God continues to use them and save them. One at a time we come forth and the Angels rejoice. I imagine there is a constant roar in heaven as the Angels praise God when each one comes forth to know Christ as their Personal Savior. How long do they rejoice over a lost soul being found I don't know. They probably rejoice for themselves as well. They could have been cast down from heaven as well. But God elected them, and his children on earth before the foundation, the solar systems were even made. Oh how magnificent are his ways and thoughts far above what we can even hope to imagine. That he would even think to save me and you.

How can I, a mortal man defeat such an enemy as Satan. He has been around a long time, since the beginning of time warring against the saints. Accusing the saints even though we have been forgiven. Jesus having paid the price for our souls. He has had a lot of practice. His army of evil: Powers, Principalities, Rulers of darkness, and Spiritual Wickedness in high place, like an army are all in place. Angels from heaven have to pass through this wall of intrusion to minister to us.

It is amazing how some people are so quick to accuse others when that is one of the tools of Satan. He is the accuser. Should they not instead offer forgiveness and reconciliation? You know God has given us, the Church, the ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore reconciled unto Christ for all of our sins. Let us be reconciled with our brothers and sisters. Let us move on to the greater things in

him. At judgment day Christ will hold us all accountable for the works we do here on earth. Let Him be the judge.

Sometimes I have to wait on my help. Some how I endure. Many others are not even aware of their presence, the bomb in Gilead. Pawns they are to the whims of the Devil. All I can do is wait till my help comes. Till they stop pursuing me. My victory is in the Lord. He delivers me every time. What do they want from me ? To stop serving God ? To stop being a COG in His wheel, and become a CLOG in his drain ? No    Way ! What greater calling is there than to be a Child Of God? To be submitted to the will of God no matter where it may take you, or how it effects your life, and the lives of others ? God is a mystery. His mysteries are revealed to his children alone.

                   

For what purpose did God place man in this predicament ? Does this battle help lead to my perfection ? Am I being transformed into a Spirit ? Has my Spirit man been awakened in me ? Has my Spirit become strong enough to come forth and fight my battle, while my fleshly body pertains to the things of this world ? We are Spirit, Mind and

Body. Can all three operate independently as well as together ? Separate but one ?

We are to separate ourselves from this world. We are to live in it as well. As Paul said, "Fleeing all fornications and adulteries so that we could do that what we would. "How many of us are willing to find out *that what we would*, when we don't know what that is that we would do ? We are so busy mimicking the world system, in pursuit of, or worrying about *what we would not be able to do* instead of looking forward to *what we would be able to do.* That which is a mystery and has to be revealed to us by God. Finding solace in the Comfort Zone, and fearing the Twilight Zone, they won't pursue the Would Zone. There is no growth in the comfort zone. The Twilight Zone is fear which by the way is not of God but of the Devil, and they are not even aware of the Would Zone. Which is revealed by walking with God.

His Kingdom is not of this world. They don't study the Bible enough, they rely on what they hear only, and only remember in part. The key to remembering much is to study the same thing over and over again until you know it well for yourself. If you forget, look it up. So when you do hear you can add to what you already know, instead of review.

The only way we can find out what we would is to flee these things. That means leaving the security of what we know, the things of the flesh, to that which we don't know, the things of the Spirit. How many are willing to take that risk into the unknown? The things of the Spirit cannot be understood by those who are walking in the flesh. So who can explain it to them. A spiritual man understands the things of the flesh as well, but the things of the Spirit can not be received by those who do not desire to take a walk in the Spirit. They have to step out in faith, and experience it for themselves.

How can two walk together unless they agree. So they look at others, and see their gifts in operation and say things like, "I wish I had your gift." But do they really ? Or they say, "They don't teach that in my church." Then they go back to their Comfort Zone. Among others that won't venture out either.

They go back to the world trying to compete with it and maintain some sense of Spirituality. Buying a new car on credit thinking that is how God blesses. What about purchasing a library of Bible study aids? Why not enroll in a Bible College or Seminary?

                    

It never ceases to amaze me when preachers preach against a formal Bible education, and instead encourage people to get a secular education so they can make money, money, money. Why not Bible, Bible, Bible? Can't you trust God to lead you in your studies. Where do you think the God gifted teachers of Ephesians 4:11 are ? Doesn't it occur to them that they might be teaching in schools ? That the Sunday school curriculum might be too elementary ? That there are perhaps deeper studies in God's word ? They might even discover the verse that say's to seek the kingdom of God first, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

There were schools for prophets in the Old Testament. Elijah stopped by one and picked up Elisha his successor. Guess who got the mantle and a double anointing ? The Old and New Testament fathers, were well studied men, scholars of the law and the prophets. Paul who wrote most of the epistles to the

churches studied under Gamaliel, a Pharisee and celebrated doctor of the law. After he was born again. God brought understanding to Paul of that which he had studied, as well as revelation. After much study comes inspiration, illumination, and revelation.

You should never be satisfied with your level of Spirituality. Elisha wanted a double portion. To become comfortable is to stop the development of your Spirituality. You must leave all things behind and press on towards the higher callings in Christ Jesus. It is a total faith walk. It is a forward momentum not a stopping place. And there is no turning back. I believe that is what scares people the most. If they go too far they can't come back to that old Comfort Zone. They remember what it cost them just to get where they are. Now they just want to enjoy the earth and the fullness there of. Which by the way is misinterpreting what God is trying to tell us.

It is not of meat, drink, cars and homes, but a oneness with God and above all Spirituality. For God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must do so in Spirit and truth. Gods word is the truth. When Christ comes we will be like him; perfected. It takes all of Gods gifts to the Church to perfect the saints.

My weapons against the powers of darkness are not the weapons devised by man. No they don't work against Spiritual forces. I have to pray. I have to read Gods word and meditate day and night on what I have read. The gifts of the Spirit must be in operation and exercised. The more I know of God's word, the truth, the stronger more self-assured I become. The more I battle against the enemy, the more I exercise my gifts, the stronger I become.

I have to be clean, way down on the inside. So far down the enemy forces can't reach me there. The forces coming against me decrease in number to just a few, and then even those have to retreat. God will make you clean inside. Defeat is imminent for the enemy of both God and man. His time is short according to God. But for me a thousand years is just one day in Gods time. I don't have that long to live here on earth. But during this time I have work to do. And I'm not talking about an eight hour a day job.

Long suffering. Some try to call this word patience, but I saw in Scripture where both words were used in the same sentence. Jesus suffered long in His 32 years of life as a man. But also when He was separated from the Father. When He became sin for us. Took it away, therefore taking away the sting of death for those who believe on His name. That must have been an eternity for Him. Facing the Devil alone. But He is God, and I am not. I have no desire to become God.

The battle rages. During the breaks I spend time with God. I know He's always there but I miss Him. His personal, secure touch. He watches over me. I hope he says this is my son. Watch him I know he will endure. If I can just endure I know there is salvation at the end. God rescues me all the time. That is when he is most truly real to me ! Sometimes at the point of giving up, he throws a life preserver. I get that

phone call I was waiting for after several failed attempts on my part. Somebody comes by and talks to me. Gives me words of encouragement at just the right time. Or

I minister to someone that ministers to me as well. I could go on and on about his salvation.

Once I even felt  as if someone was giving me a push. Like a hand would periodically press against my backpack as I walked down the street. Urging me to continue walking. Prodding me along. I could not help but giggle.

I believe that is the meaning of salvation that the Lord brings into a believers life. Romans then talks about how Israel needs to be saved, but they must be born again first, receive the righteousness that only comes from Christ, and faith in Him. Then they could be part of the *whosoever* call's on the name of Jesus shall be saved. I call on that great name all the time. But first you have to believe on whom you call. Hey, people call the police all the time. They

believe in them and the authority behind them. Jesus on earth got His authority from God in heaven, but now all power is in His name. Call on Him.

The prophets and preachers sent could not convince Israel about Christ. Preachers today can't do it. They would not listen to them. People today won't listen. So in Romans chapter eleven, God said that he saved a remnant of them. That is how all Israel is saved, a remnant through election. Gods sovereign choice of whom he wants in his kingdom. God saves us that way too.

God calls a people unto Himself all by Himself. Somehow we are part of the process of bringing others to Christ. Are you part of that remnant that God elected and saves ? Ask God. Seek His face with all your mind body and soul. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

                   

Salvation is nothing short of a miracle. The world is in search of a miracle. Blind to all those miracles around them that have become common place. I bet if I could go back in time, drive up and pick up Jesus in a Lexus, People would think it a miracle. Fortunately Jesus only asked for an ass to ride into town. I don't think Jesus presented anymore than the people were ready for. Salvation is the greatest of all miracles. To think that God would take time out just to save me.

I have my own observation about the miracles or creations devised by man, such as the Lexus automobile. I call it the sand box theory. Remember when we were kids ? We would build castles in the sand and we thought we really did something. But who provided the sand ? Or who took us to the beach ? God has created a sand box called Earth for us to play in. Anything we create is made from its substance provided by God. How can we then take credit for it ? How then can we throw our creations in the face of God and say, "Look what we did ! We don't need you !" Kinda stupid don't you think ?

There is a final place for the fallen Angels. The lake of fire. Satan is destined to be there too. So many people will join him there. Why do they submit their will to Satan and fallen Angels ? Why don't they believe God or even try to ?

Satan and the fallen Angels are liars. Tempting people to desire things that they can see, feel, hear, smell, wear, buy, etc. All these things will pass away but God's word will always be the same.

People will always be the same. In fact we are really doing no more than we've ever done as people: eat, drink work, sleep, reproduce, and party. For some reason we think a $50,000 Lexus to take you a hundred miles to work every day is better than riding an ass into town. It probably took less time and was less stressful riding an ass.

Maybe that is why we demand cars that are fully loaded with features we don't even use. I think it is funny that someone would by a $50,000 four wheel drive car with a luxury paint job. Right, they really want to drive off road, and come back muddy with dings in the door panels !

*Repent, be baptized, and be filled with the Holy Spirit,*  Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. The words of and after Jesus' life are contained in the New Testament that live on and on. Instructions in righteousness through faith. Not righteousness that comes from the law that can't save you. It was never intended to save you but bring the recognition of how sinful we really are.

In the law are written things you are to do, and things you are not to do. The Pharisees added even more to the law seeking their perfection that way. That is not possible.

Being deceived they missed the point. The promises made to Abraham will be fulfilled just like the law was fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Who putting an end to the law, would                     have us moving on to perfection through faith.

The promises of God will be fulfilled and are part of the present day believers hope as well. Abraham believed in the promises, yet he never received them. That is true faith. Even the Old Testament saints were saved by grace through faith and not of the law; not of works.

The Pharisees sought to take control of the people for their own purposes. Not just in religion. Likewise many people desire and do control the lives of others. Satan, Gods enemy takes control of people. Building his kingdom here on earth. Man does have a will of his own, but he must chose who he will serve, God or money. Position or submission. The Bible speaks of serving your masters, but not to serve Satan or money.

It is not just the rich who serve money, but in context that is who God is talking about. Those who are rich and those who seek to become rich. Here is the proof text: How do you spend your money ? I sure see a lot of poor people being passed, by people who drive a Lexus and those who don't.

The law was fulfilled by the one righteous one Jesus Christ. Not one jot or tittle of the law will pass away until it is fulfilled. Well, Jesus fulfilled it. Now the law is dead writes Paul. Now is the time to seek righteousness. Just as Abraham did. By faith in God. His faith was counted as righteousness. Faith in the living God that could and did deliver him. Our faith now is in Jesus Christ who is our

righteousness. We have to believe in Him for our righteousness. That righteousness is imputed or given to us and works in us.

But the battle continues. Satan can't believe he has already been defeated. Many a person does not believe it, whether they acknowledge Satan's presence or not. Some feel they

are seeking their own righteousness by their good works, or just refusing to do any good works, enjoying the evil. Unless you are in the will of God, submitted, your works count as unrighteousness. These works however noble do not please God. He seeks our obedience to Him alone. He is Lord of our lives, and all that we do regardless. One day all will have to confess it. That He is Lord of all.

The word say's that some think not to do evil is an abomination. Imagine that ! What a terrible state to be in. Reprobate, haters of God and all he stands for. Filled with envy's, strife, hatred of God Himself.

The law was fulfilled by the one righteous one Jesus Christ. Not one jot or tittle of the law will pass away until it is fulfilled. Well, Jesus fulfilled it. Now the law is dead writes Paul. Now is the time to seek righteousness. Just as Abraham did. By faith in God. His faith was counted as righteousness. Faith in the living God that could and did deliver him. Our faith now is in Jesus Christ who is our righteousness. We have to believe in Him for our righteousness. That righteousness is imputed or given to us and works in us.

But the battle continues. Satan can't believe he has already been defeated. Many a person does not believe it, whether they acknowledge Satan's presence or not. Some feel they

are seeking their own righteousness by their good works, or just refusing to do any good works, enjoying the evil. Unless you are in the will of God, submitted, your works count as unrighteousness. These works however noble do not please God. He seeks our obedience to Him alone. He is Lord of our

lives, and all that we do regardless. One day all will have to confess it. That He is Lord of all.

The word say's that some think not to do evil is an abomination. Imagine that ! What a terrible state to be in. Reprobate, haters of God and all he stands for. Filled with

envy's, strife, hatred of God Himself. Perhaps even being filled with a legion of fallen Angels who direct their every

move. Thinking the imaginations in their minds are their own thoughts. When in fact their own thoughts are lost in the mire of their captured minds. Not even aware of it because of constant use of the evil Spirits cast down from heaven. Taking council from other ungodly people under the same dominion, Satan's.

Who will deliver them ? Is it our responsibility ? Do they watch us and marvel as we overcome the world through our    faith ? Does it anger them ? I think so. As we speak the word of faith delivered to the saints ? I think so.

Study, and study, and study. The fruits of this labor has everlasting effects on your life and the lives of others. The words that come out of your mouth will be prophetic as you speak the prophecies of God. You talk to the Spirit man in every one you come in contact with. Wherever you are is your mission field.

These signs will follow you. Legions will begin to fall apart, become disarrayed, confused. They cannot stand against the word of God. Gods word will not, does not, can not fail.

Do not give up the battle. Dismantle the bomb in Gilead. The world is at stake. And as children of God we are responsible for their salvation. With Jesus the head of the Church we will not fail. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus who strengthens us. No weapons formed against us will prosper. By the will of the father all that are called by him will come unto him. There are many sheep that belong in his pasture. We have to round them up and bring them into the presence of the Lord. There is a bomb in Gilead. Satan and the fallen angels. But thanks be to God we have a Savior, Jesus the Christ who is our balm in Gilead. Our healer and deliverer.