In The Great Gettin Up Mornin'

We would hardly consider one to be honoring his parents who, when they fall sick, weak, and perhaps blind in old age, does not exert himself to the utmost for them and their support in their need.

 Exodus 20:12

(12) Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
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Obedience to this command does not stop at a certain age.Genesis 48:12 reveals the deep respect Joseph had for Jacob when he brought his two sons before him for a blessing: "So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth." With adulthood, the time may come when it is no longer necessary or right for a person to obey his parents strictly. But God's requirement to honor them never ceases. This duty pays dividends by giving us access to the wisdom of years.

Honor has wider application than obey. It expresses itself in courtesy, thoughtfulness, mercy, and kindly deeds. We would hardly consider one to be honoring his parents who, when they fall sick, weak, and perhaps blind in old age, does not exert himself to the utmost for them and their support in their need.

Just as surely as God requires parents to nourish, defend, support, and instruct the children in their lowest state of infancy, so children in their strength should support their parents in their weakness. Turn about is fair play because the Scripture says, "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12). Each of us would want someone to care for us in our time of need.

— John W. Ritenbaugh

Go Light Your World

Where Is Your Candle? The Candle Parable Was Shown To Me Twice Yesterday in Two Different Parts Of The Bible And Once Today.

Mark 4

King James Version (KJV)

4 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
14 The sower soweth the word.
15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Those Who Sow In Tears Will Reap In JOY!!!

Are You Using Your Talents??

Matthew 25:15

(15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
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The talent was not a coin but a weight, and so its value obviously depended on whether the coinage involved was copper, silver, or gold. The most common metal was silver. The original Greek word for "talent" is talantos, which refers to quantity. As Jesus uses it, a talent is not something we possess, but which He possesses and loans to His servants. In the parable, all talents belonged to the lord, who entrusted them to his servants for use in trade.

Spiritually, the talents represent the gift of the complete revelation of God as given in the Bible, including the knowledge of His plan of salvation and the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God. It also includes His spiritual gifts to the church, such as speaking and understanding languages, preaching, teaching, discernment, knowledge, and wisdom, among many others (Romans 11:29; 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:1-11).

What we "trade" with while He is absent belongs to Him. Our natural abilities are comparatively insignificant and of little value, but God has given us spiritual wealth to use by investing it in supporting the work of God. These talents, then, are not a matter of things we own or of strengths we have, but are part of the grace of God, provided for the church's benefit.

God's gifts accomplish much more through some people than they do through others, as is seen in how much the lord bestows on each servant. Every true servant of Christ receives the Holy Spirit, but different servants receive differing amounts of spiritual understanding from God. We do not receive more from Him than we can understand and use. Because God's servants differ in aptitude, He accordingly bestows His gifts to each servant as He pleases (I Corinthians 12:11).

The lord knew the trading ability of his chosen servants, and he distributed his talents accordingly. Talent and ability are two different things. Talents are the spiritual gifts of the Master, while ability is power from our natural fitness and skill. A person may have great natural ability, yet no spiritual gifts. Natural ability, however, one of God's physical gifts, is often necessary for the reception of spiritual gifts. This was no reflection on the third servant because he only received one talent; he could not handle more. Each servant of Christ receives for his service all that he needs and can use (Romans 12:4-9; I Corinthians 12:4-30).

This parable teaches us several things. God gives people differing gifts. Work well done is rewarded with still more work to do. The person who uses his gifts will be given more, while the person who does not will lose even what he has. If a person uses a gift, he is increasingly able to do more with it, and a person who does not try is punished. The only way to keep a spiritual gift is to use it in the service of God and one another.

— Martin G. Collins

"He's Always Been Faithful To Me"

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness."

 Luke 18:8

(8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
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This sobering scripture aims directly at anyone who is left standing, so to speak, at His coming. Christ looked down through the millennia, and saw us—looked into our hearts—and wondered, "Where is the faith?"

What faith is Jesus talking about? It cannot be in His existence because even the demons believe that (James 2:19). Demons also have a great deal of respect for God's power and sovereignty. What the demons do not believe in is God's love and all that springs from it. For instance, how could Satan have rebelled if he really believed in God's love for him? Perhaps the original iniquity found in Satan, the start of all trouble, was his lack of faith in God's love for him—"for whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). That faithlessness led to pride and vanity and ultimately to rebellion.

When Christ returns, will He find a people who believe how much God loves them and therefore will trust in Him no matter what the physical evidence looks like? That is the faith Christ is talking about in verse 8.

In the preceding verses, Christ contrasts the unjust judge, who could not care less, to the true God, who could not care or love more. The underlying subject of the parable is God's faithfulness and love, and Jesus gave it to encourage our faith in the Father's love.

Then, in verse 8, Christ says, "I tell you that [the Father] will avenge [the elect] speedily," followed immediately by, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" A definition for nevertheless is "in spite of that." God will act speedily in His great love for us, yet in spite of that fact, people in the end time will still have difficulty believing in the depth of His love.

Our salvation depends on believing how special we are to God—how much He loves us. Jesus says in verse 1, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." Along with prayer, this parable teaches us about not losing heart—enduring to the end. Knowing how much God loves us can give us the courage and hopewe need to face and endure what is ahead.

Lamentations 3:21-23 (RSV) tells us what we have to remember and believe if we are to have the right kind of hope: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."

— Pat Higgins

"LET THE WEAK SAY I AM STRONG"

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Deuteronomy 32:4

(4) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

  Revelation 19:11

(11) And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
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Our God is a God of truth. He is the Rock, the immovable Foundation of this way of life. The Hebrew word for "Rock" indicates firmness, stability, and faithfulness. What would it be like to worship a God whose "truth" changed from time to time? Could such a God be trusted? The Greek word for "True" in Revelation 19:11 means much the same thing, but it carries the additional sense of "real" or "genuine." There is nothing—absolutely nothing—false, deceitful, evasive, or variable in His character, His Word, or His example.

What does this mean practically? Who are the most important people in a community, state, or nation? Not the doctors, lawyers, teachers, entertainers, military personnel, or businessmen. Considering how much God's Word concentrates on the preachers and kings, God indicates these two win in a landslide.

It might be difficult to say which of these two is more important, but a slight edge seems to go to the ministry. Christ came first as a rabbi and Savior, teaching and living the values that form the foundation of God's way. At His return, He will come to administer them. This is why God devotes so much space to these two in the Bible. The preacher must teach and live the values, and the king must live and administer them.

Without true values, civilization will not continue long but descend into revolution and anarchy. God's Word, Hisdoctrine, is true and faithful just as He is. It is a reflection of His nature and character. Any society or family built on it will prosper and become great in godly terms. Jesus' first coming left mankind without excuse regarding the eternal question, "What is truth?"

Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Many can say, "I have told you the truth," but Jesus not only told it, He embodied it. He put truth into a visible, concrete form so all who want to see it can.

What credibility that gives to one's teaching! A person can teach us a mathematical, grammatical, spelling, geographical, or historical truth, and what his character is like matters little. But if a person teaches moral truth, his example, character, conduct, and attitudes are all-important. Who wants to be lectured on purity by an adulterer or on honesty by a liar and thief?

Jesus lived what He taught with total purity and never a shadow of turning. He was absolutely stable, firm, and reliable, the real, genuine representative of eternal life, the way of life that He will establish on earth at His return.

— John W. Ritenbaugh

I Hear The Music In The Air

Shake Yourself Loose

Worship The LORD In Spirit And In Truth. Amen.

The Constitution Of United States of America

Peace,

Please pray on this.May the Holy Spirit guide you in Jesus name. Amen. I am not one who speaks of politics or the ways of this country. I tend to mind my own business and pray for this country. 

The only time I have heard anything regarding politics or the government was when in the Fall of 2010 I heard, "OBAMA WILL BE THE LAST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"  I KNEW that knowing feeling that Obama would be re-elected after hearing those words spoken to me. 

I would like to share with you what I heard and saw last night. I had a vision/dream it was about the Constitution of United States of America. There was a committee that was at a table. I saw a judge type figure. Then I stood up answered a question and walked out. 

* This is what was shown to me. I have had emails asking. We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

I am led to ask you ALL to read it. In Jesus name. Amen.

Study: Matthew 28:20 and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Peace,

I am led to do this study on verses taken from Luke. Please pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and truth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Here are the verses which I am led to share. Luke 4:16-21

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Let's look at verse 16 Jesus came back to Nazareth where he grew up as a child after His forty days in the wilderness. He read in the synagogue that sabbath day. Let's continue to verse 17 He was given the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and read. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."  Then He closed the book.

Let's look at Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

So we know that Jesus was speaking of himself. That He was the anointed one. That He would preach the gospel (good news) and that He was the one who fulfilled the scripture that day. 

He told the people present in the synagogue that their Messiah had come and that HE was the one they had been waiting for. Amen!?!!? But most of them missed what He was saying. Are we still missing what He is saying?

Jesus HAS come. Jesus IS alive today. Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

In Jesus name with love,
Cassie

R E S P E C T ......

Father Says To Son "We will finish the race together"

Sow In Tears : For ALL Who Are Suffering For Whatever Reason

My Heart Belongs To You

5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

17 Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.

3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;

12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:

14 From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'"

 1 Corinthians 2:6-9

(6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (7) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (9) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
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If mankind had seen Christ, if they had clearly identified with Him, the history of the world would be exceedingly different. They did not see because, as Paul writes here, they were not mature. Mature, in this context, means "converted." He contrasts those who are able to see and those who are not able to see. Those who are able to see are those who are spiritually mature.

Even though Christ quoted—and lived—the scriptures with which most of His audience were familiar, the people did notsee God working through Him. So it has always been with God's servants. Christ was not the only one. Jesus Himself testifies that these people also "kill[ed] the prophets" (Matthew 23:34-37). It is unlikely that they would have killed the prophets if they clearly saw them as God's messengers. If they believed in God and were fearful of His authority and sovereignty over His creation, they would not have dared to do it! Nevertheless, it has always been this way: Some see and some do not see.

Paul says in I Corinthians 2:7 that God's ministers "speak the wisdom of God in a mystery." This mystery is not a puzzle that is difficult to solve but "a secret impossible to penetrate." As the apostle goes on to say in succeeding verses, the world is not "all there" upstairs because they do not have God's Spirit to help them penetrate the secret. Without this vital ingredient, it is no wonder that it accepts its own and rejects the truths of God.

Paul writes in verse 9, "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'" Many in the world believe that the things of God are "too great" for mere humans to comprehend. We really cannot "get it" or see it. Yet, the truth is so simple to those whose eyes are open that a child can understand. The carnal mind, however, is so blinded by traditions and habits of thinking that even Christians tend to reject the things of God—even though God has converted us.

The effect of this is something like the story about the three blind Indians who were led up to an elephant. Each man touched a different part of the great beast. One held the elephant's trunk, and when asked what it was, he said, "This is a snake." The second man, holding the elephant's tail, said, "This is a rope." The third man, feeling the elephant's leg, said, "This is a tree."

This is analogous to what happens in the world. The world can perceive bits and pieces of the truth, but they cannot put it all together and see the glory of God in its whole. They cannot see God as an intrinsic—absolutely necessary—part of a person's life. They cannot see how necessary the spiritual is!

If it is seen and if it is understood, then life begins to make sense. We begin to be able to see ourselves—a single, unique individual—as a part of the whole, the awesome plan and purpose that God is working out! Then, being able to see God gives direction to our life. So our eyes have seen and our ears have heard, and "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" has entered into our hearts.

— John W. Ritenbaugh

Baby Duckling

Peace,

  I am led to share this with you. Below is a picture of the duckling with it's adopted mother. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
                                                                 

My husband and I are blessed to live on a lake. The lake is very large and there is a lot of activity. The lake has beautiful islands and foliage. There is also ducks, and loons, swans and geese before the actual Summer begins we have seagulls too. 

On Friday I noticed a baby duck all by itself. I had seen the mother duck with this baby the day before. I knew this to be the baby as there was only one and there had been two when they first ventured out not far from our home. One of the two ducklings had died.  As I followed the duckling in my kayak I realized it kept going to this one area of the shore and would make a calling noise which I believe to be crying. 

I went back to get a net and my husband to help. We weren't sure if taking the duck out of the lake and putting it into a pen with a pool until it got big enough to take care of itself was the best thing to do. 

 So we followed the duckling which was about 3 weeks old for quite sometime. It would cry and then go and hide behind the same brush where I originally found it. As we got closer to the brush my husband noticed a dead female stuck in the brush. We knew then that this baby was crying out to it's mother who was now gone. 

We moved the baby along down the edge of the lake while we thought of what we would do and what was best for the duckling. We came upon two female ducks quite a ways down resting on a dock. The two females saw us and heard the duckling crying out. One of the ducks swam away and the other went near to the baby. 

We weren't sure what was going to happen but we watched from a distance. The baby swam off by itself still crying. The female duck stopped following the duckling and watched like us from a distance. 

We started towards the duckling slowly and it swam back towards the female crying they got very close and looked as though they were communicating with their beaks. 

They swam off and the newly adopted mother swam very close to the baby. They came close to our shore today and then came up into the yard. The "mother" would fight off any other ducks that got too close to her "baby."

I thanked God for showing me this beautiful site. The timing was Gods. Thank you Jesus. 

I thought about this while out on my kayak today. Why did one female stay and take on the responsibilities of the duckling and the other one swam away? How did the duckling know this female duck would take care of it? Then it came to me. Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. God knows when a sparrow falls from the sky and God knew this ducklings mother had died and it needed another mother. There she was waiting there for it. Amen. God has ALL things in control and HE cares about ALL His creation.  Sometimes we just need to sit back, watch and wait. Amen.

In Jesus name with love,
Cassie

"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord,

Leviticus 26:25

(25) And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

  Leviticus 26:45

(45) But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.
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God will remember His covenant because He is a jealous God(Exodus 20:5). Because He does not want His name to be profaned in any way, He is very concerned about those who bear it (Exodus 20:7). The covenant people, Israel, had profaned His name by their conduct among the other nations. Because God is holy and righteous, what He proclaimed to do against the heathen in the first chapter of Amos, He will also do to Israel—a people who had forsaken their covenant with Him.

Isaiah writes that Jerusalem, symbolizing all the tribes of Israel, will receive double for her sins because of her privileged position under the covenant (Isaiah 40:2). God will punish Israel for her failure to live up to her responsibilities within the covenant.

God's punishment, though, is never an end in itself, nor does He punish in wild anger or frustration. Rather, He punishes in the best way and at the best time to bring individuals torepentance. He has not forgotten His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but He will correct their descendants so that He can eventually save His people and give them the promises. The process will be painful but also effective; Israel will come to repentance (Romans 11:25-29).

Reflecting on the history of the British Commonwealth and America in the last two hundred years, we see two nations quickly rising to prominence along with unparalleled accomplishments. The British produced a great empire far out of proportion to their population, native wealth, and abilities. Through her commercial power, the United States became the single richest nation that has ever existed. American influence has since exceeded even that of Britain, making English the universal language of business and politics.

Thousands of academic, scientific, and engineering breakthroughs and inventions have sprung from British and American individuals, discoveries which greatly affected the rest of this world. Such power and influence have made both nations feel they have an unlimited reservoir of natural ability and wealth. They even feel a kind of invincibility.

Amos warns ancient Israel and her modern descendants, however, that no nation is so great that it can stand without God. He makes and unmakes nations (II Chronicles 20:6; Daniel 4:17; Acts 17:26). Their rise or fall is largely dependent upon His purpose for them and their significance in prophecy (e.g. Jeremiah 12:14-17; 25:15-32). If their moral and ethical foundation has eroded, the natural process of strong nations displacing weaker ones will take place (Leviticus 18:28; 20:22). It is this process that God often uses to punish His people for apostasy and immorality.

But though God punishes, there is always the hope of repentance and restitution:

"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them," says the Lord your God. (Amos 9:13-15)

Central to both the punishment and the restitution is loving and living the truth of God. This is the responsibility of those who have made a covenant with Him, whether the Old or the New Covenant. It is our part of the deal—a small part really but a difficult one that must be kept (Matthew 7:13-14). If we do not keep it, God must correct us.

But if we keep our part of the agreement, we will reap the benefits that flow with God keeping His. He promises good health (Exodus 15:26), prosperity (Malachi 3:8-12), children (Psalm 127:3-5), security (Psalm 46), and many other blessings besides His greatest gift, eternal life in His Kingdom (John 17:1-3; Romans 6:23)!

— John W. Ritenbaugh

Study: The spirit Of The Flesh And Mind

Peace,

    I was led this morning to Ephesians 2 while reading it something jumped out at me as if it were highlighted. May the Holy Spirit reveal all truth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Let's look at those verse. 2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

When reading this passage today I asked myself who is" the prince of the power of the air?" Is it Satan? Is it demons? If we read on it tells us that "the spirit" that now worketh in the children of disobedience. So the power of the air = spirit. This spirit drives "children" to be disobedient. These disobedient children live in the lust of their flesh. They fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind. So who is this prince? 

Let's go to Ephesians 6:12 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Against "rulers of the darkness of this world" In chapter 2 verse 2 we see that those who are disobedient are walking according to the course of "this world." What is it about the world? 

When we read the news and we read about the violence and chaos taking place today we know that it is not flesh and blood that we are wrestling with but the sin and darkness of the "world." When one is born again we are dead to the "world." Before we were born again we walked in disobedience and lived in sin. We were part of the "world."  We were dead! Yes, we were not one with the Father. 

So, who is this prince? Where does this spirit reside? I will leave you with those questions. However, I will add that when one fulfills the desires of the flesh and mind they are allowing this spirit to work disobedience in them. This is the same spirit we fight against. 

In Jesus name with love,
Cassie

Speak To The Lost With Love In Your Heart

Peace,

   I would like to share with you something that has been on my heart and heavy at times. Please seek the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.

When I started this blog it was with the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I heard, "feed my children" I searched the bible and wanted to make sure I was hearing correctly. As you know from scripture when Jesus was speaking to Peter He asked Peter to, "feed His sheep". Let's look. 

Jesus said to Peter, John 21:17 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

I knew then that I was to feed to the children of God the words spoken in the bible and the words uttered to me by the Holy Spirit.  So, I let the Holy Spirit guide me and I write when and what I am led to. 

My heart is heavy in regards to how we tell people about Jesus. How do we feed His children? Do we yell at them? No. Do we judge them? No. Do we tell them what they want to hear? No. I say this as I am watching many thinking they are helping the lost but they are in my eyes condemning them. The bible says to speak to them of love and truth. Jesus is love and because of His love  He died for my sins and yours. Amen!? The truth is that if Jesus had not died then we would die in our sins and the grave would be our everlasting home. 

When I think of how Jesus would want me to tell someone about Him the first thing I would say is, Jesus loves ALL His children but hates the sins His children commit. I would tell them that Jesus laid down His life for ALL so that ALL may have eternal life. I would tell them that Jesus wants ALL to turn from the sin of their heart and mind and to obey God's commands. I would tell them to stop worshiping self and to worship the one true God. I would also tell them that Jesus gives free will to ALL but with that free will there is a consequence, to choose sin is death to choose Jesus is life. I would tell them that because Jesus died and rose again from the dead that He conquered death so when we die once (physical) we will not suffer a second death which is eternal. I would continue telling them to be born again which means to repent (turn from  sin) and believe in the living God who is the living Word which became Flesh to dwell among us this is Jesus. I would tell them Jesus is the truth the way and the life. 

His message is truly simple folks. Love Him above ALL else and love thy neighbor as thyself. To testify of Jesus is to tell ALL the good news. By grace we are saved and not by anything we can do or have done to earn it. Jesus is our redeemer. He is our salvation. There is no other way. This is what I would tell the lost. I would tell them in love.

I am a sinner who has repented of my sins. I am/ we are forgiven because Jesus shed His blood for me and for you. Thank you Jesus.

In Jesus name with love,
Cassie

Psalm 3

Deny Self Follow Christ...

Study: Transformed Believer

Peace,

     I am led to do a study about the transformed believer. What is a transformed believer? When is the believer transformed? What does it mean to be transformed? I pray you will seek the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.

Let's look at what a transformed believer is. We will first look at John 1:10-13 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

God = The Word = Which became Flesh and dwelt among us = Jesus was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. Jesus came unto His own, and His own received Him not. To those who received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. They were born by the will of God. Amen!??!

This transformed body is Jesus who appears or manifest Himself in the born again repentant believers who receive and accept The Word became Flesh = Jesus.

Let's look at the seal on the flesh The Word = Jesus who became Flesh in repentant believers. The seal is the true citizenship of the children of Israel. There are two groups revealed in scripture with the seal. Let's look at Revelation 7:3,4 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Revelation 14:1-514 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The first group is the 144,000 His bride with His Word dipped in blood. The second group is Revelation 7:9-129 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Let's look at the next two verses Revelation 19:1313 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And Revelation 19:16 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

The seal is named "Word,"  "King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.", Transformed Body = His robe dipped in His blood.  And His thigh= Flesh=The Word become Flesh in repentant believers. This is the second group standing before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

When will this Transformed believer be changed? Let's look at scripture for the answer. 1 Corinthians 15:5252 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Let's continue in scripture to Matthew 24:42-4442 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The Word become Flesh= Jesus in repentant believer who is called Born Again. Amen!?!?

Let's continue... 1 Corinthians 15:53 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. The repentant believer is passing through the Jordan River while alive. Amen?!?? The Transformed believer. John 6:6363 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Revelation 12:6 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. This is both spiritual and physical. This PLACE is prepared by God. It is His promise. Is this transformation 1260 days? Please pray on this.

John 13:31,32 31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

I will add more if led. 

In Jesus name with love,

Cassie