Thursday, October 30, 2014

A Spiritual Eclipse?


1Co 6:15  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 
1Co 6:16  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 
1Co 6:17  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 
1Co 6:18  Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 
1Co 6:19  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 
1Co 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 

Let's look back at some verses.

1Co 6:7  Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 
1Co 6:8  Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. 
1Co 6:9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 
1Co 6:10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 

Many churches are allowing homosexuals as members and some are even making them ordained ministers.  How can they ordain those that God has said they cannot inherit the kingdom of God?  A Christian is not to sue another believer and yet we see the courts granting favour to homosexuals and even allowing "gay" marriage.  The kingdom of God says NO. Who is the ungodly king of America to allow these things? Christians have power from God. We need to speak up, to pray so that the kingdom of darkness will not eclipse the light of God in our land.

1Co 6:2  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 
1Co 6:3  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 


Sunday, October 26, 2014

The Sinner's Prayer


In the beginning of our ministry on AOL, there were many, many people on the Internet for the first time. I remember many hours spent seeking to save the lost. If I got someone to say the sinner's prayer, I counted it as a salvation of a soul for Christ. I had led hundreds to the Lord and there were many that we were discipling, giving them the word of God. Today in Church an evangelist had everyone to repeat the sinner's prayer out loud. He then asked if anyone had said this prayer for the first time? Two people raised their hands in a congregation of under 200 people. He had them come to the altar and he talked to them and prayed with them. One was a young man about 30 and the other was a healthy 79 year old woman. We all rejoiced at their salvation. 

It has been 15 years since the days of many salvations and skeptics have questioned whether or not those people were saved. I know for a fact that many were saved and continued. Salvation is of the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ. By our confession of faith in him, grace is given for salvation. 

Rom 10:8  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 
Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
Rom 10:10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

Rom 10:11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 

Today in church it was so simple and easy. Why are we not active in getting people to say the sinner's prayer? Will you repeat the sinner's prayer with me now?

"God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!"

If you have repeated this prayer and believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and saviour, you are saved. Let me know, (Gary)   Superragman@aol.com

The proud and the humble


Luk 18:10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 
Luk 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 
Luk 18:12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 
Luk 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 
Luk 18:14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

Two things I see right off; we are not to glory in our works. I do enjoy getting things done around the property. Some things need cleaning and dusting and redoing. In the spiritual we are also to be good stewards of what has been given to us. Even our ability to read and to study are a gift and they become better, they increase with use. We meet once a week at our place for a Bible study. One of the women said that she just isn't gifted like others. She is not as smart etc.  However when reading a verse illustrating a topic, she was knowledgeable about the context of the verse. She knew the setting. I commended her for that. Often verses are picked from out of their context and used to illustrate a message. She knew the meaning and context. This comes because she purposely takes time each day to read her Bible and to have a time of devotion. After our Bible study I got out the vacuum cleaner to clean up. She wanted to do that for me. She said that she loves to vacuum. She has the gift of service and God has given her understanding of the Bible. She is a humble person, not aware of any special gifts, but she is faithful and a blessing.

The second thing I saw was that God hears the humble prayers of the sinner. In works, the Pharisee did more, but in attitude, the publican was more accepted. If we are to be servants we are to do good works and have faith in the LORD with humble and thankful hearts, NOT comparing ourselves one with another. Someone may have strength where we are weak, so we need each other and God works through us. Be kind, be thankful, for the one you might think is least among you may be the most favored by our LORD.

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 
Mat 19:29  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 
Mat 19:30  But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

My Pop


My father was strong and hard working. He was a family man who enjoyed his home and family. He was home at regular times after a hard day of labor. Usually he would talk about his day at the dinner table and fall asleep reading the evening paper. When I think of my Pop I think of hard work and faithfulness. He was quiet around me. When I was stricken with cancer, he came to my bed, getting the blessings from his Jewish boss to be with me. I asked him why he never said he loved me. He loved me but didn't know how to show it. I had been touched by the Lord and told him I loved him. He returned the words to me. I saw in the days following the tender side of my dads heart. This strong man with hands calloused from hard labor, became soft in heart. He told me that Jesus held me in his arms. I made it through the illness, God healed me and he healed my dads heart. He became a church going man, dressed in a fine suit, a deacon who served communion each Sunday and loved to visit folks to encourage them. After retirement he moved to a ranch and I saw that he was a gifted rancher. He had his mothers ranch in the depression, from Arkansas to California. A hard time he had. I was born in California. He loved the ranch, grew a large garden had a herd of cattle and was very fruitful in his old age, yes still a deacon at the new church. He grew old and lost his memory of us all. He remembered the past, but not the present. When mom died we had to put him on a nursing home. He was too big to lift but we brought him to church and he had tears listening to the praise music. He died but not really. For he went to Jesus, that big strong man with calloused hands, in the hands of the nail scarred man. Our Lord Jesus embraced dad and welcomed him home. Be with you soon Pop.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Stewards


Fall is a beautiful season.. It begins our rainy season; the trees loose their leaves, the colors are warm and inviting. The pond is golden at sunset. It was in Fall, in October that I was baptized. Death to the old life and born again of God through faith in Jesus Christ. A New creature, not seeking death, but life in our Lord. We are to be good stewards in this life and by being faithful we will be rewarded when Jesus returns as king.

Luk 12:40  Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 
Luk 12:41  Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 
Luk 12:42  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 
Luk 12:43  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 
Luk 12:44  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 


I was offered firewood if I would go and pick it up. I had a truckload that I split and piled up to dry for next year's firewood. The lady who offered the wood said that other's had refused to come for the wood. Some blessings require a little doing, a little work. If we expect something and make no effort, we often miss a blessing. The greater blessing goes to the giver.

Act 20:33  I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 
Act 20:34  Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 
Act 20:35  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 


The ramp I built for Faye when she broke her hip was not built to last for long. It lasted 5 years, but needed overhauling. This is the new ramp I made for her, and me when I get old.

Mat 7:11  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 
Mat 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 
Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 
Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 


I often make cookies. These were sugar cookies with pecans. I have persimmons now to make persimmon cookies. I would share with you if you were here.


This is one of several afghans that Faye recently finished. Her hands keep busy as a spider,weaving works of art. Does that make me spider man? She is as Dorcas, so very gifted. It is so much better to do something good or useful with your life, than to tear down and to destroy. God's spirit is creative, life giving and joyful. When we die we will awaken in the presence of our Lord.

Act 9:36  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 
Act 9:37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died:...

Act 9:40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 
Act 9:41  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 

Eaglewingsministries.com

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Jeremiah speaks to us


Jer 17:5  Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
Jer 17:6  For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
Jer 17:7  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Jer 17:8  For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Jer 17:10  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jer 17:11  As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.
Jer 17:12  A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.
Jer 17:13  O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
Jer 17:14  Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.
Jer 17:15  Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.
Jer 17:16  As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.
Jer 17:17  Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil. 


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Use what you have

I am retired but not finished. Someone asked me, "well now that you have  retired from photography, what do you do?"  The shift is to use what God has given me to some benefit now and for eternity. I had majored in Industrial arts in college and worked with my brother to make a Cabinet shop. I moved from that dusty job to the darkroom and to the light, a painter with light is a phrase used for those who are photographers. Thinking back, there were a lot of things that I had some knowledge of, but I never put to use in the area of applied skills. Also things of the arts: music and cooking. Cooking is an art? It is a matter of taste? Why am I writing this? Nothing I have was not but a gift given by my Lord. All glory to God for his provision, giving me a wonderful wife and family and salvation for all of my family. The Lord has allowed me to share Jesus with others mostly on the Internet. I answer to him, he is my Lord and savior. I hear people saying, "the Lord told me this, or told me to tell you that...  Sometimes I think it is only their vanity speaking. If God has a message for me, he will tell me through His Spirit and usually from reading his word. The Spirit never speaks of himself, so why do so many speak of the Spirit? The Spirit of God speaks of Jesus and the things of God. It is important to discern the spirits, for there are many false teachers and false prophets now, in these last days. Test what you hear by the Spirit within and by the written word. We do not want to finish our life following a false teacher or Pastor. Be watchful.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Face to Face


Exo 33:11  And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. 
Exo 33:12  And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 
Exo 33:13  Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. 
Exo 33:14  And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 
Exo 33:15  And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 
Exo 33:16  For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. 
Exo 33:17  And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 
Exo 33:18  And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 
Exo 33:19  And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 
Exo 33:20  And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 
Exo 33:21  And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 
Exo 33:22  And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 
Exo 33:23  And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. 

Moses had already talked to God face to face, and God knew him and gave him grace. He wanted to see his glory, no sinful flesh can see the glory of God and live.

Heb 12:29  For our God is a consuming fire.
  
Exo 34:29  And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 
Exo 34:30  And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
Exo 34:31  And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.
Exo 34:32  And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
Exo 34:33  And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
Exo 34:34  But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.
Exo 34:35  And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Sinful man cannot see the things of the spirit. The law brought judgement and death, the spirit of God brings life and liberty.

2Co 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
2Co 3:7  But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 
2Co 3:8  How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
2Co 3:9  For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
2Co 3:10  For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
2Co 3:11  For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
2Co 3:12  Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
2Co 3:13  And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
2Co 3:14  But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
2Co 3:15  But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
2Co 3:16  Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 

Peter, James and John received grace and saw the glory of God on the Mt. of transfiguration. Jesus appeared to them clothed in glory along with Moses and Elijah. We who have received grace through the Lord Jesus Christ, will soon see him face to face. That will be glory for me.



Friday, October 3, 2014

Turkeys Like People


Are Turkeys like us? 


When hungry they are on the move. I always thought that birds were controlled by God given instinct, but do the Turkeys learn from us?


They came from distant places to stand in front of the Christian food give away place. It is next door to our building. Perhaps they were looking for a scrap of bread or a crust of pie?


Down the street they walk, or trot by the closed Jazz club. A turkey trot? Or perhaps turkey in the straw played by Jazz fiddles? Me and my shadow, strolling down the avenue...


 Okay, I will stop the music. These turkeys are hungry and on the move.


Across deserted streets they move early in the morning. It is surprising what you find on early morning walks.


Single file they look like military men in a dawn raid.


 They huddle together, clueless like turkeys and so like people. Some of them are probably thinking the worst; starvation, famine, pestilence. The sky is falling?


Other, more wise turkeys make do with what God has provided. One takes a beak full of seeds from a weed. There is food for those who are diligently seeking. 

We are not Turkeys, so pray, wait upon the Lord for direction, then move in his will for you.