A Scribe on the Wall

Several years ago now, I believe that God gave me a message, He would be telling me things and it was up to me to tell others. To me, it's much like the Watchman on the Wall as described in the Old Testament. The Watchman was told that it was on him to warn others about any approaching dangers. God's apparently gifted me with being able to type and write. So I put the old definition of a writer along with the concept of a watchman together. So what I hear I type and share with others.

Monday, February 28, 2022

Give Me Jesus

"Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man learn these things, and what is this wisdom that has been given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are His sisters not here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not dishonored except in his hometown and among his own relatives, and in his own household.” And He could not do any miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He was amazed at their unbelief.

And He was going around the villages, teaching." Mark 6:1-6 NASB

The King is in the room

Come see the scars of love upon His hands
The King is in the room
We'll watch the darkness flee at His command
Who is this King?
Who is this King?

His name is Jesus
His name is Jesus
Light of the world
There's freedom in His name
Awesome in power
Reigning forever
Light of the world
There's freedom in His name

The Healer's in the room
Let miracles break out across this place, oh
The Savior's in the room
No soul beyond the boundaries of His grace
There's resurrection power in His name

His name is Jesus
His name is Jesus
Light of the world
There's freedom in His name
Awesome in power
Reigning forever
Light of the world
There's freedom in His name
There's freedom in His name
Oh, there's freedom in His name

There's never been a love so great
He died so we could live
Then He rose up from that grave
Name another King like this
Now all authority
Forever belongs to Him
He reigns in victory
Name another King like this

His name is Jesus
His name is Jesus
Light of the world
There's freedom in His name
Awesome in power
Reigning forever
Light of the world
There's freedom in His name

His name is Jesus

- Phil Wickham "His Name is Jesus"

Life gets tough, and times get hard
It's hard to find the truth in all the lies

If you're tired of wondering why
Your heart isn't healing
And nothing feels like home
'Cause you're lost and alone just screaming at the sky

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The Name of Jesus
If the words wont come
'Cause you're too afraid to pray
Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out
However it comes out, He hears your cry
Out of nowhere He will come-you got to believe it
He will rescue you
Just call out to the Way, The Truth, The Life

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The Name of Jesus
If the words won't come
'Cause you're too afraid to pray
There is just One name
Strong enough to save
There is just One name
There is just One name

Jesus

When you don't know what to say
Just say Jesus
There's still power in the name
The Name of Jesus
If the words wont come
'Cause you're to afraid to pray
If the words wont come
And you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

-7th Time Down "Just Say Jesus"

Jesus is the name above all Names that either brings joy unspeakable or brings heartbreak and anger to those who hear it mentioned.

Jesus is my Savior, He is my Best Friend, He is my Brother and my King.

He gave His life to save a wretch like me.

Jesus is my coming King. Jesus is more to me than the things of this world.

In the world today we see people's and countries attempting to rewrite history concerning Him but it will be no Earthly good.

Jesus is more than anything the whims of mankind can ever imagine or dream up.

As these songs lead into, name anyone else who fits His description! As those useless meme's say: Go ahead, I'll wait.

He has brought healing and life to me many times. He's the one who's blessings are both gracious and unexplainable at times. His love is uncomparable.

S.M. Lockridge on several occasions is credited with a speech such as this:

"The Bible says

He’s the King of the Jews
He’s the King of Israel
He’s the King of Righteousness
He’s the King of the Ages
He’s the King of Heaven
He’s the King of Glory
He’s the King of Kings
and He is the Lord of Lords

Now that’s my King!
David says
The Heavens declare the glory of God
And the firmament showeth His handiwork
No means of measure can define His limitless love
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing

He’s enduringly strong
He’s entirely sincere
He’s eternally steadfast
He’s immortally graceful
He’s imperially powerful
He’s impartially merciful

That’s my King!
He’s God’s Son
He’s the sinners’ Saviour
He’s the centrepiece of civilisation
He stands alone in Himself
He’s august
He’s unique
He’s unparalleled
He’s unprecedented
He’s supreme
He’s pre-eminent
He’s the loftiest idea in literature
He’s the highest personality in philosophy
He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism
He’s the fundamental doctrine in true theology
He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion

That's My King

He’s the miracle of the age
He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him
He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously
He supplies strength for the weak
He’s available for the tempted and the tried
He sympathises and He saves
He guards and He guides
He heals the sick
He cleansed the lepers
He forgives sinners
He discharges debtors
He delivers the captives
He defends the feeble
He blesses the young
He serves the unfortunate
He regards the aged
He rewards the diligent
And He beautifies the meek

Do you know Him?
My King is the key of knowledge
He’s the wellspring of wisdom
He’s the doorway of deliverance
He’s the pathway of peace
He’s the roadway of righteousness
He’s the highway of holiness
He’s the gateway of glory
He’s the master of the mighty
He’s the captain of the conquerors
He’s the head of the heroes
He’s the leader of the legislators
He’s the overseer of the overcomers
He’s the governor of governors
He’s the prince of princes
He’s the King of Kings
And He’s the Lord of Lords

That’s my King
That’s my King!
My King
His office is manifold
His promise is sure
His life is matchless
His goodness is limitless
His mercy is everlasting
His love never changes
His word is enough
His grace is sufficient
His reign is righteous
His yoke is easy
and His burden is light
I wish I could describe Him to you
He’s indescribable
He’s indescribable
He’s incomprehensible
He’s invincible
He’s irresistible
I’m trying to tell you
The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him
Let alone a man explain Him
You can’t get Him out of your mind
You can’t get Him off of your hands
You can’t outlive Him
And you can’t live without Him
The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him
but they found out they couldn’t stop Him
Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree
And Herod couldn’t kill Him
Death couldn’t handle Him
And the grave couldn’t hold Him

That’s my King!

He always has been
And He always will be
I’m talking about
He had no predecessor
and He’ll have no successor
There was nobody before Him
and there’ll be nobody after Him
You can’t impeach Him
and He’s not going to resign

That’s my King!
Praise the Lord
That’s my King
Thine is the Kingdom
And the power
And the glory
The glory is all His
Thine is the Kingdom
And the power
And the glory
For ever
And ever
And ever
And when you get through with all of the forevers
Then
Amen"

In this day and age we need reminded of the truth of this world, of this time in history. That Jesus so loved you and I so much to die for us, to make the way for us, to be forgiven of our sins and to live with Him forever, if only we believe.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

Jesus

The mose loved or most hated name in history.

My life is in His Hands because of what He has done and my faith in what He did on the cross for me. In Old Testament times I wouldn't have been permitted to come near to worship Him because of my physical condition. Because of the cross and His dying for my sins, I can draw near to Him.

Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of glory divine.

That hymn has to be included in this post as well.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior, am happy and blessed
Watching and waiting, looking above
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love, oh oh

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long, oh oh oh oh

If you don't know what Jesus means as I have shared today...ask. Ask Him to make Himself known to You today. To be shown as real to you today.

Jesus.

Many years ago a book was out called Heaven is for real by Todd Burpo. It chronicles the story of their son Colton. At the back of the book they share a similar story of a young girl and a painting she made. After his experience Colton was asked many times what Jesus looked like. Of all the pictures shown to him only this painting by this young girl came the closest. In my infant days I had surgery on my eyes and I can remember being afraid. Yet I can also remember being with Jesus before knowing who He was. I saw the same person as this girl painted.

Whether or not others believe this is of Jesus isn't important to me. It is what I believe is an accurate depiction of Him to me.

This world is on a collision course with the Judgment of God. It's not going to turn into some utopia once something happens and someone rises up as a world leader to guide it. Scripture says there is such a one coming called the Antichrist. Horrific days accompany his coming for 7 years. Billions will die. After those 7 years of judgments from God, King Jesus Himself will reign on Earth from Israel.

As a famous Bill Gaither song goes...The King is Coming.

Your belief in Christ Jesus and His finished work on the cross will determine you either spending eternity in Heaven or Hell. Under no other name can you be saved. His name is Jesus.

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Our Point of View Doesn't Change Anything With God

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39 NASB

"Again He began to teach by the sea. And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that He got into a boat on the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land. And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching, “Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. And when the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.” And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve disciples, began asking Him about the parables. And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but for those who are outside, everything comes in parables, so that while seeing they may see, and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear, and not understand, otherwise they might return and it would be forgiven them.”

And He *said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. And in a similar way these are the ones sown with seed on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and yet they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown with seed among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. And those are the ones sown with seed on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.”

And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, or under a bed, is it? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” Mark 4:1-25 NASB

I often am looking at the 'pulse' or whatever it is we wish to call this world in which you and I live. I look at many things differently than most people I guess. I used to think that I was an introvert only but have come to realize that in terms of the subject I can be a full blown extrovert.

I am also saddened by things in this world but at the same time am glad. Have seen a post saying that we choose what to be joyful in. Maybe.

We see the events in areas of this world, we have seen what this world is going through as a whole in the last few years and either we dig a hole and separate from the world hoping it passes or we react to it openly. Both are reactions to what we listen to. That's what brought Mark 4 to mind. Being careful about what you listen to.

Yesterday I was reading and possibly wrote about the impact of the light we see and know. The light of Jesus is unbiased. It is all-knowing and goes everywhere we don't necessarily want it to go.

We develop a point of view growing up that either is for what the Spirit shows each of us or it's against it. That's why everyone will be without excuses when they stand before Jesus in Judgment should they not receive Him as Savior.

A believer is one who's accepting what the Spirit is showing them about sin, death, the cross of Christ Jesus. About the truth of existence and the reality of the Bible.

Denying all that is what unbelieving people do. But the consequences of that are indeed eternal.

It is interesting to consider people like Cain who murdered his brother. Of Judas who betrayed His Master, Jesus. Of the other thief on the cross. Of Pharaoh who died chasing Israel into the sea.

It's interesting because their point of view on God never changed God's point on sin, on death or what was to happen next with them. All indeed inherited eternal life! In torment in Hell at the present moment.

You may indeed think that your choice is your choice. But your choice doesn't change God's judgment concerning you.

Anyone who dies without receiving Christ as their Savior will never see Heaven. Will never find a peaceful existence after they die. What's interesting is when you really look at the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus you read of only ONE moment when fear grips the Rich Man. It's when he knows that his family might join him at any moment in the torment he was experiencing. He's afraid of them finding what he found to be true. God's Word indeed was true about sin, about needing a Savior and that unrepentant unsaved people end up where he was.

You can be obstinate, you can be thinking you don't believe. On some level of your thinking at some point in your life you have or will have a thought about life after death.

You my Dear Reader are the one who decides if you are going to Heaven or Hell.

Blame is not on God the Father, not on the Spirit nor on Jesus. You choose whether to believe that which the Spirit has shown you. Denial changes nothing. God's truth is always true.

Worries of this life choke the Word of God from many lives. They are the smoke and mirrors of Satan to keep your mind from understanding the truth until its too late.

To be without excuse is an absolute truth. Even when we look at other Scripture, when Jesus separates people. It's always separating the believers from the unbelieving. There's no middle ground.

You choose what you listen to. Who you listen to. There's a chief reason why God's Word says, for the Believer, to set your mind on things above. That is Heavenly things. It prioritizes your life in a way that isn't Earthly. It isn't of this world.

Everyone will be given an absolute amount of time to come to the truth of Jesus Christ. They will never leave this world until the point of no return has happened in their denying Jesus.

Everyone's opinion of God the Father, of Jesus, of the Spirit and the requirement of God that without salvation in Christ Jesus alone, is irrelevant. The truth is that everyone who rejects all of it will find themselves in torment in Hell, forever separated from God. Weeping is found in many who are in Hell. They realized too late that the truth of God was indeed true. Their opinion on it didn't matter. Gnashing of teeth-angry people- realize too late that they too cannot change things. That their insistence on their way of life mattering didn't make them right. That it didn't matter. They are also angry at God because He judged as He said He would concerning sin.

Opinions don't matter. Everyone has one.

It's whether you believe the God of the Bible or the god of this world. Like Heaven and Hell, like these, you do believe only one. Choose wisely because your eternity depends on it.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

The Deluded and The Promised

A friend and Pastor has a very apt saying when it comes to Bible study. When you see a "therefore" read earlier to find out what the therefore is there for.

On and off we have been reading Romans Chapter 12.

"Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

So when verses like Romans 8:38-39 are read, they are part of that looking earlier.

Making sure that you are found by God to be in Christ Jesus is far more important than life itself.

It's more important that everything and everyone.

It's more important than even setting foot in a church building.

It's more important than feelings of joy at songs heard or sung.

It's more important than the preacher we listen to.

It's more important than our sports or hobbies.

What is horrible indeed are the wars and rumors of wars. The earthquakes and famines in various places.

What's worse is learning the hard way that you're not saved. Being sure of his salvation in Christ Jesus Paul certainly was. Peter certainly was. John, James, Timothy all certainly were. These all warned future generations to be sure.

There's thousands of so-called churches with millions in attendance that are not being fed the Word of God. They are not taught about repentance. They are taught, quite literally, doctrines of demons. They are deluded people who, when the Rapture happens or their time on Earth is done, will not find themselves in Heaven.

If there's no aspect of your life that's been changed, transformed even, to a Christ-like life, you have cause for concern.

If you are living the rest of your week as the world does when not in your church, you have cause for concern.

If you aren't frequently in prayer, frequently in God's Word on your own, you have cause for concern.

If your mouth sounds like the world and not like you have been with Jesus...you have cause for concern that you are leading a deluded life.

2 Timothy 3:1-8 NASB "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

These kinds of people were going to be found in the professing Church.

I have worked with people who wear shirts from the church they attended and yet their mouth and attitude certainly were not Godly in any respect.

I have been around people who claim to be saved yet theirs is a life of fear that if they showed their faith they would be suffering great loss.

Christians are supposed to let the life of Christ shine indiscriminately. The light of Jesus goes wherever light can reach. There's nothing that is within its range that isn't influenced by it.

This very morning, I hadn't even made coffee let alone had time to drink any, thoughts of doubts tried creeping into my thinking about salvation. We will face these subtle attacks. We will be in situations where faith is challenged.

We can't be asleep at the wheel in our daily lives. Satan and his minions certainly take every single opportunity they are permitted to disrupt the lives of believers. He certainly is disrupting the lives of the unbelieving to try to keep them from salvation.

We read that in these last days that the love of most will grow cold. Matthew 24:12 NASB "And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold."

We read in Revelation, in the letters to the Churches, of a time where people will be so thinking they are doing what they think God wants that they will have forgotten their first love. They will have forgotten Jesus.

Are the lives of those around you, those you may interact with, are they more important than your wants or desires?

Is doing life God's way important to you?

Are you at all daily in God's Word as much as you are eating physical foods?

Are you at all being one who's honest with God?

Are those attributes of what Paul told Timothy true of you?

When the Rapture of the Church happens this world will flock to any and all Church buildings looking for answers. They will be told a pack of lies sprinkled with truth. A world religious leader will convince them of a great many things that are not of God. Deluded people. For 7 years they will either die in their sins and head straight to Hell, or rage against God. More than a few will find salvation but it will be difficult. Most of those will be martyred. They won't comply with the world religious order and won't be able to buy or sell.

In this here and now we can have a right relationship with Jesus.

In this moment we can know for sure that we are not a deluded people.

Jesus didn't tell the thief on the cross that hopefully He would see him again. Certainty is essential. He WOULD see Him in Paradise.

Knowing for sure that you are saved is essential. Living it out is imperative.

We cannot afford to guess or put off knowing.

We cannot afford to think maybe we are good enough. Nobody is good enough. Salvation is in Christ Jesus alone. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Noone comes to the Father but through Him.

Your eternal address is determined in what Christ has done or hasn't done with your spirit and soul. Not what works you have done or haven't done.

Jesus promised to return.

Jesus promised.

His promise is for you as well as myself.

Are you sure of where you are going after you die? Again, I know people who thought they had a full day ahead of them. They stood up to take 1 step and died immediately. They had no time to think about choosing Christ Jesus for salvation.

Friday, February 25, 2022

Reality isn't a Television Show

by David Brenneman

"Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶Just as it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

I looked at Romans 12 this morning, just as we've been challenged to read each day, and in the midst of reading it, was drawn to the words Chip Ingram used in his first video. That Chapters 1-11 lead into Chapter 12 that we were in and that his book and video series were about. I went back to chapter 8.

Have been thinking about this new RBB Systems Prayer Group that began yesterday. Was incredibly in awe of God's timing in yesterday's verse of the day.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 NASB

We are a society that is gorged on videos and so-called reality shows. Original movies really are far and away a rarity.

I look at the streams of life, the ways that this world is consumed with things that bring about anxiety, unrest, that are intended to make the world look for some leader to tell them what to do. If you’ve read your Bible at all, that's no coincidence.

I also look at people a lot. I observe far more than I speak about.

Satan's the one behind the idea of fate. Of coincidence. Of time-through-chance.

He is all smoke and mirrors.

To distract the believers of this world by way of material things and thinking, to get them away from their first love, which is Jesus Christ. To discourage and to attempt self-condemnation. To cause them, in any and all ways to be ineffective for the Plan of God the Father.

He also works on keeping those who don't yet believe to stay that way. By his many false convincing proofs.

We can easily be overcome if it's just us in this battle. If we are attempting to handle life on our own.

As this part of Romans 8 begins...I don't know exactly how to pray. It would be nice, in a selfish way, if we just knew words to say and that Jesus would verbally tell us yes or no. Made for television programs often portray Christian prayers that way.

Reality is we don't know how to pray any more than the Disciples, and like them, we can ask!

I felt lead to start that prayer group at work. Coasting along in life isn't walking by faith. Coasting along and doing whatever happens isn't living by faith.

Many in my life erroneously have tried saying "God will not give you more than you can handle". Read that part of Romans 8 again. If we were not given more than we could handle then the works of God would not be evident in our lives.

We were promised ahead of time that life would be rough as a believer, but also too, a heart and life set on obedience to Jesus Christ would be taken care of.

When we walk by faith and not by sight, it's then that we see God's hands in our lives.

Our lives, throughout the conflicts that WILL happen in it ought to cause people to wonder how it is we aren't falling apart when the reality of what they perceive happening to us says that we should be falling apart.

We have a responsibility not to blend in with the world, but to reflect a life lived for the One who saved us. That's our reality.

Where are you in walking by faith?

Does life move you enough that your prayers need the Spirit to intercede for you?

Are you so wrapped up in trying to build a slice of Heaven here on Earth that you're not being what God intends you to be?

Are you so worried about your health, your job, your relationships that you've never truly taken those things to the cross of Christ to deal with?

Reality is this world is going to follow God's intended plan for it. We aren't going to find extraterrestrial life. We aren't going to live on the Moon or Mars. We aren't going to solve the problem of world peace. We won't stop wars and rumors of wars. We are here for a purpose in this moment of history. To live out lives that are all-in for Christ Jesus. We are looking to be just as much fisher's of men and women as Jesus was and taught the Disciples to be.

It's going to likely be rough. It might not be. It's either a blessing or not if your life isn't rough.

I have on occasion had opened in prayer but didn't have the words to say. I pray more often than I used to. It's no sign of weakness. It's asking for strength in ways that we cannot see yet.

Are you living in the past? Stop.

Are you living with an overwhelming desire to secure your future? Stop.

Live in the here and now as an obedient Christ Follower. Live a life that is about seeking to show Jesus to this world. Live out your part of Romans 12. The desire of your heart will be something that pleases God when we seek to be what we are intended to be. God's will is for your sanctification, not necessarily your satisfaction. His Will is to reflect Jesus in you to the point that is what the world sees in you.

Reality is much different than what's seen on TV. Reality is we need to depend on Jesus. Reality is when we try to do it ourselves we find little to no joy in it.

Reality isn't what Satan wants people to know. Reality isn't defined by him.

Scripture says to seek the Lord Jesus while He can still be found. A time is quickly approaching when He is going to return and take those who are truly believers with Him.

Reality is you are either trying to live for you or live for Jesus.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Why Our Asking isn't Working

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. PSALM 34:17

David testified, “This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 35:6). C. S. Lewis once wrote, “Down through the ages whenever men had a need of courage they would cry out, ‘Billy Budd, help me’ and nothing happened. But for 1900 years, whenever men have needed courage and have cried out, ‘Lord Jesus, help me’ something always happened.” I love the Hebrew definition of the word trouble. The word literally translates “hang-ups.” It means to be inhibited, tied up, and restricted. When we lay hold of Christ, we are freed from our hang-ups. Sound too simple? It is! Yet when I’ve counseled with so many Christians in deep trouble, I’ve asked them, “Have you talked to the Lord about this?” They looked at me with a blank stare. “You mean tell Him?” Yes. When you acknowledge the reliability of the One who is in charge of your life and then admit your fear, you have to appropriate the power He has promised to give you. You have to tell it to Jesus.

We often want God to change things in our lives, but rarely do we seek to find out if He's behind what's going on. We don't talk to Jesus about our lives!

We want what's in our lives, in most cases, but not the consequences. We don't want what is a part of it at least. The larger question is: is what we are holding onto really something that we should be holding onto? Are we after keeping something that maybe God's telling us to let go of?

I, for many years, often prayed about my job. Often the prayers would be answered but I still often found that a relenting of the reason for praying occurred. The problem still remained.

It wasn't until I was ready to trust God by letting go of what I thought I wanted to keep holding onto that God was able to really give me the desire of my heart.

We believe we know better than God! Admit it! Confess it even! Deal with that truth between you and Jesus so that He can begin to answer your real desire of your heart.

If we keep holding onto anything, people, things, the past, the present, more than we do God's plan and purpose for us, then God's in contention for the Throne of our hearts, He isn't exclusively on that Throne.

Some have heard this statement: Let go. Let God.

We believe we will be happier if God would just help out by tweaking OUR plan for our lives.

We believe that we have our happiness wrapped up in a neat package if these things like people, money, or other things weren't in the way. If that boss wasn't there. If more money were there. If this illness wasn't there. If this person were still here. If that wasn't messing with things.

God's got a plan for the life of each believer. It's beyond what we can ask or think. Why would we settle for what we can only see?

When we become part of the body of Christ, we become a part that has something to do in the body of Christ. We aren't alone or just along for the ride until we die or He returns. His plan for the Disciples wasn't to continue fishing for fish. His plan for Paul wasn't to remain a Pharisee or a mender of tents or nets.

Our lives aren't intended to realistically be Heaven on Earth.

You come to Christ or you haven't yet, you know this Biblical truth: life is hard. Tribulations come to those who come to Christ, but His promises are greater than they are if we live in obedience to our calling in life.

Your life isn't to be spent just keeping things cleaned up and in order.

Your life isn't to be spent in pursuit of personal peace, happiness or prosperity.

Jesus said that those who would follow Him need to literally give up their lives to find life.

We find great disappointment when it's our plans that don't work out.

We find unexpected and unexplainable joy when we see God do something that only God can do.

We honestly cannot tell the truth to ourselves that even when our plan works out that even our joy isn't utterly joyful. That happiness we felt didn't last.

Imagine if you will a knock at your door.

You open it to find a friend. You're joyful. He comes in and you offer a beverage.

You sit down to talk. You each speak in turn. Sharing what's going on in your life.

Then your heart is warmed. But then something happens. This friend morphs into Jesus.

Would you still keep on talking as if this was your friend? Would you go deeper in your conversation? Would you do anything different now?

Jesus is waiting to come in again or maybe for the first time, if you have not been saved by Him yet. He's waiting to be a pn intimate part of your life. He's waiting to have a deep relationship with you, not a superficial one.

When we someday face Jesus, and are asked what did we do for Him, what will you answer? You did nothing because you weren't living for His plan for you?

Every part of a body has a purpose. The ear for hearing. The white blood cells in fighting disease. The red for energy and life. The stomach for processing food. The eyes for seeing. We are in the body of Christ with a newfound purpose that is ours to accomplish in the body.

It might not be the life that you think it will be. Jesus might have something else for you to do. It might be the same thing you are doing but elsewhere or for different reasons.

But we have to put our all on the altar if we are going to see Jesus do something with it.

We cannot seek our own will when it might be conflicting with God’s for our lives and in the end find happiness. It's not going to be true happiness. Satan will convince us that it's possible but it's always a hollow pursuit. It's not a Snickers bar that satisfies.

If you're seeking happiness and not finding it, question why. Then go get alone with Jesus and talk. Be ready to let go and let God. Be prepared to see change and be changed. Jesus isn't working in your life to make you a better person. He's working to transform you into His likeness. To make us more like Christ.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

If You aren't Exercising Your Faith, then What are You DOING with it?

If You aren't Exercising Your Faith, What are You DOING with it?

Ever have one of those things happen in life, when something happens and God gives you a greater understanding of something in the Bible?

In this last Sunday's sermon we were challenged concerning going all in with God. Yesterday, after my heart was stirred up by the comments and actions and reactions to struggles at work, I took a chance at going all in.

I got approval to begin a volunteer prayer group at work to address the problems work is facing. To pray for the leadership and those seeking to find parts to build our customers products. If God altered the directions of nations because of prayer, He can do something with my place of employment.

It was along the lines of this that brought me back around to the parable of the talents. Let's read this:

"For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. The one who had received the five talents immediately went and did business with them, and earned five more talents. In the same way the one who had received the two talents earned two more. But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

“Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have earned five more talents.' His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’

“Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have earned two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.’

“Now the one who had received the one talent also came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed. And I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you still have what is yours.’

“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You worthless, lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter seed? Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore: take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

“For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. And throw the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 25:14-30 NASB

So...if indeed you are in Christ and are saved...what are you doing with what you have been given?

Matthew 5:14-16 NASB says this from Jesus "“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

If you are claiming to be a Christian, are you letting your light shine or are you hiding it? Did you go out and bury it under a rock until Jesus returns or you are called home?

You are to live out your Christian life for the world to see, and if necessary use words.

I told those at work that I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. That it was prayer that brought my Wife and I to our new hometown. It was prayer that brought me to my new employer. It has been prayer that sets the days in order for me. Prayer moved the nations throughout history. Prayer birthed the United States. Prayer caused the downfall of others.

Are you doing anything with your faith? In Romans 12 we read that to each has been given a measure of faith. Not possibly given. Not maybe given. But HAS been given. We are expected to be doing something for God with it.

Some are fearful of speaking up at work or in other public places. There might be repercussions. Yeah? So? Isn't the one who puts the stars in their place, who orders the planets to do what they do, the one who's holding our very life-breath able to handle even that?

It might cost me my job! Quiz time. Who gave you that job in the first place? It wasn't a random chance thing that you were hired there. Your paths, according to Proverbs are ordered by God. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

So, do you think that Daniel and his friends put their jobs at risk by standing on their faith? Did Daniel when he was tossed into the lions den?

Did Peter and Silas? Did Stephen?

Fear is the greatest thing that Satan uses to keep our light under a basket or under a rock. Fear of what others may think. Fear of what might happen. Fear that loss may happen. Getting people to forget what God's already done with their faith up to that point in their lives.

Are you keeping to yourself out of fear?

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 16:25 NASB

Jim Elliott is quoted as to say "HE IS NO FOOL WHO GIVES WHAT HE CANNOT KEEP , TO GAIN WHAT HE CANNOT LOSE”.

Some point to Proverbs 31 with that quote

Another to consider is vs 26 of Matthew 16: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Are you keeping your faith to yourself or are you doing something with it? In Romans 12 we read of being part of the body of Christ. That we have a function within that body. We have something to do. Are you doing it?

Things to think about. Hebrews 11

"Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval.

By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for before he was taken up, he was attested to have been pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore even from one man, and one who was as good as dead at that, there were born descendants who were just as the stars of heaven in number, and as the innumerable grains of sand along the seashore.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and the one who had received the promises was offering up his only son; it was he to whom it was said, “Through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground.

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."

So think about where your faith is today. Think about whether you are all in with God or not. There's nothing to compare it to if you've never done it.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Coming to Christ or Returning is One Step Away

Looking into Romans 12 there's a thread of thought to align with this statement. Many in today's world had wrong ideas about God, about Jesus and what salvation was about and turned away from God.

Some of the harshest things that will ever cross your mind, mainly because Satan's best option to keep people away from God, is to try to convince you that a return isn't possible.

That you no good, that you are a loser.

That you're so pathetic that God would have nothing to do with you.

Even within the growth aspect of Romans 12 is the treatment of others. Believers and the unbelieving as well as those who walked away.

We are but one cry of our hearts away from returning. One cry of our hearts from Jesus busting through everything that Satan's built up around us. One step to take is to cry out to God. Satan cannot stop a prayer, but he can convince you that praying is useless to not even bother.

Looking at the Parable of the Prodigal Son...all it took was the Father, whom was found to be scanning the horizon every single day, seeing his son attempting to return - to jump up and run to him.

That's no fairy tale. I have lived it. I know of others who have done it as well. The story is the same.

We read in Romans 12 of grace. Grace is God's unmerited favor. Nothing done by us that deserved to be given it. We read of love being without hypocrisy. That is a love for others that's as genuine as that which comes from Jesus Himself.

Galatians 6:1-3 NASB "Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself."

Satan wants discouraged believers just as much as he wants disillusioned ones, as well as unbelieving ones. He loves to send in wolves in sheeps clothing to twist and distort the minds of believers in the Church. His plan is to thwart God's plan.

You cannot speak of evil without acknowledging good. Good and evil are concepts first spoken of in the Bible.

You, my Dear Reader, are but one step away from being redeemed and restored to a good and vibrant relationship with Jesus. So what that something has happened in your past between you and God. He's not going to save people based on our conditional prayers. He isn't going to save you or someone who care about just for that emergency moment in your life or theirs. He wants a lifetime relationship. He wants more than a moments time with us. He's willing to sit on the front porch and scan the horizon every day waiting for one such as you or I to turn to Him again.

Some may have tried to bargain with God. If only you would do this God, I will...

A relationship with Jesus doesn't work that way my Friend. For one, our attention span after an emergency is over isn't that good. We forget vows like that when relief comes. Then God is forgotten again. God isn't some genie that grants wishes.

You indeed may have lived through or are in a horrible situation. He is there. He's waiting on us to come to Him with an honest heart. One step in His direction, for that purpose, and He's there.

You may be living a miserable life. No hope in sight. Read this part of the Prodigal Son. Read the whole story but note the part about how much despair and how discouraged he is.

Luke 15:11-32 NASB "And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began doing without. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he longed to have his fill of the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving him anything. But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired laborers have more than enough bread, but I am dying here from hunger! I will set out and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired laborers.”’ So he set out and came to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you never gave me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

You are one step away from being held firmly in your Saviors arms. Beit that you haven't yet come to Him for salvation yet or have but left for a time. He's waiting in anticipation looking for that moment that you call out to Him.

It matters not what condition your life is in. He doesn't care about that. He cares not that you might have done some great sins. He's ready to forgive and to restore a right relationship with you. He's ready to address your pains and doubts and fears. He's got the answers to your life's questions. More than you ever thought possible.

Monday, February 21, 2022

God Doesn't Change...We Shouldn't Expect Him To

All throughout the generations of life since Adam and Eve mankind has, because of sin and Satan's influence, tried to get God to change His mind about sin.

All throughout the Bible you will see and find references to God saying of Himself tgat He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

If indeed we believe the Bible in this truth then the rest of the Bible is deemed trustworthy and true. Sin's definition in the Bible is today what it was when the Bible was written.

The ramifications of sin are the same today as when the Bible was written.

Our world tries to water down sin into it being something other than what the Bible says about it. Truth be known there's billions of people in Hell who tried redefining sin.

There's those in this world today who are learning that God's views on sin haven't changed and its causing the same hard heartedness that Jesus saw when in His Earthly ministry.

They get mad at those who stick to God's true point of view on sin.

That same God of Genesis is the same God of Revelation. The same God of Psalms is the same God of Job and Daniel.

The God we read about in the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians and Colossians is the same as in the book of Acts.

What God wrote about through the writers He chose is still true today.

Idolatry is still Idolatry as written.

Adultery is still Adultery as written.

Anger is still Anger as written.

Coveting is still Coveting as written.

A hard heart is still a hard heart as written.

God does not change and His stating what sin is has not changed.

What else that has not changed is that salvation is still free.

Works are not needed to obtain it. There's nothing required for salvation but to believe as we read of In the Bible.

Romans 10:9-10 NASB "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

People today try adding works to coming to Christ. Works are for AFTER you have come to Christ. The new cells in a body learn their function in the body and work with the body to complete the purpose of the body.

In the early days of the Church recent converts tried adding works to salvation and that was put down as unnecessary.

Redefining sin in our world today will not bring people to Christ. Making sin not be the utterly sinful thing that it is, which is willful disobedience to God's Word, will never change God.

Passing laws and instituting policies in this world will not change the truth that sin is sin as defined by God.

Christians battle sin every day. Truth is even unbelievers battle it but do not have the Holy Spirit to use the power of Christ to defeat it.

The God Who Stays - Matthew West

If I were You I would've given up on me by now
I would've labeled me a lost cause
'Cause I feel just like a lost cause

If I were You I would've turned around and walked away
I would've labeled me beyond repair
'Cause I feel like I'm beyond repair

Oh, but somehow You don't see me like I do
Somehow You're still here

You're the God who stays
You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays

I used to hide
Every time I thought I let You down
I always thought I had to earn my way
But I'm learning You don't work that way, no

'Cause somehow You don't see me like I do
Somehow You're still here

My shame can't separate
My guilt can't separate
My past can't separate
I'm Yours forever

My sin can't separate
My scars can't separate
My failures can't separate
I'm Yours forever

No enemy can separate
No power of hell can take away
Your love for me will never change
I'm Yours forever

'Cause you're the God who stays
You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays
You're the God who stays
You're the one who runs in my direction
When the whole world walks away
You're the God who stands
With wide open arms
And You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart
From the God who stays

My God is Still the Same - Sanctus Real

Just ask the waves
If they are stilled at the mention of His name
They'll say my God is still the same
Ask the walls
If they still fall at the mighty sound of praise
They'll say my God is still the same

When did He break His promise?
When did His kindness fail?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
When did He lose His power?
When did His mercy change?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same, yeah
My God is still the same

Just ask the words
You prayed in desperation if they're heard
They'll say my God is still the same
Ask the grave
If it's strong enough to keep hope in it's chains
It'll say, "God is still the same"
Yeah

Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did He ever stop proving
Our God is in control
Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did He ever stop proving
Our God is in control

Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did He ever stop proving
Our God is in control
Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
(My God is still the same)
My God is still the same

Sin is still sin. Sin as defined by God still will send an unrepentant person to Hell.

A single sin as defined by God in the Bible. Being born in sin will send anyone to Hell.

The only cure for sin is salvation in Christ Jesus alone. The power to wipe sin away through the forgiveness that comes by way of salvation is only found through Christ Jesus. Only Jesus can remove sins as far as the east is from the west. Feedlings of remorse are not enough. Billions in Hell feel remorse at what put them there, but they had no repentance by way of salvation in Christ.

As the old hymn says "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Those in Christ quite often also try to redefine sin. Calling sins mistakes. Calling them choices or rights in order to continue in them and encouraging, as ridiculously as that is, for others to do the same. Gender isn't a choice. Sexuality isn't a choice. God established that upon birth.

Abortion isn't anything but the taking of an innocent life. Lying is still lying as defined by the Bible. It's telling a falsehood. Stealing is still stealing today the same as it was over 2,000 years ago.

If we fully grasp the truth of God not changing then it points us towards His returning.

We believe that His truth about Himself as being unchanging it means to believe that the rest of the Bible is true. That the wages of sin is death. That Jesus is the Son of God. That Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That no one comes to the Father but through Him. That being transformed by the renewing of your mind brings about a real life in Christ. That Romans 10:9-10 is true. That one day we WILL give an account for things done in the body.

My God is Still the Same. Yesterday, today and forever.

Salvation is found in no one else under Heaven. By no other name MUST we be saved.